Wakefield Trinity recruit makes top six prediction amid pressure comment

Wakefield Trinity have what it takes to challenge for the top six this season as they prepare for the step back up to Super League. That’s according to Olly Russell, who is readying himself for his first season in Trinity colours after moving from Huddersfield Giants in the off-season.

Wakefield have been welcomed back into the top flight as second tier champions, with Daryl Powell’s side running away with the Championship last season before ultimately beating Toulouse Olympique in the play-off final. The club is almost unrecognisable to the one that was relegated in 2023 and they have recruited heavily once more ahead of the 2025 campaign with 11 signings being made to give the squad more of a Super League feel.

Russell is one of those signings, of course, with the half-back being joined by the likes of Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Mike McMeeken, Matty Storton and Seth Nikotemo. Despite the additions made, the West Yorkshire outfit are favourites to finish bottom of the table with most bookmakers, with Castleford Tigers, Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants also predicted to be down there.

That underdog tag doesn’t bother Russell though, in fact he believes it could play into Wakefield’s hands as they look to silence their doubters and make a splash on their return to the top flight.

“I don’t think there’s any pressure on us which can be a good thing,” Russell told the Daily Mirror.

“We are favourites to finish last but that’s all good by us; we can prove a lot of people wrong. I really feel we can push for that top six. It’s a big project here and it won’t happen overnight. But I’m excited by it.”

Russell started for Wakefield Trinity in their Boxing Day clash with Leeds Rhinos this morning, with the half-back playing alongside Trueman for the first time. Josh Rourke, Cam Scott, Corey Hall and Nikotemo were the other new signings that got the nod at Headingley, with Trinity’s first competitive match now just a little over six weeks away.