Wakefield Trinity return to Super League for 2025 after making a host of new signings, something that one star is embracing.
Playmaker Mason Lino has claimed that the club’s heavy recruitment period will only serve to create ‘healthy competition’ at the club, despite the fact the 30-year-old faces a real fight on his hands to retain a starting spot.
Lino signed for Trin ahead of the 2021 season and was the club’s clear starter throughout their time in Super League but he suffered an injury-stricken campaign in 2024, when the club dominated in the Championship.
Whilst he would play 19 games, he was missing from June to late September – only just returning in time to feature in the play-offs.
With the club having since signed two Super League half-backs in Jake Trueman and Olly Russell, the Samoan-born playmaker faces a fight on his hands to keep his starting role in 2025.
Assessing the first month of pre-season, Lino told the club’s YouTube channel: “It’s been good. Looking at the boys in training they’re fit and fast.”
‘Healthy competition’ at Wakefield Trinity after spate of Super League signings
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
He has since returned from Down Under after making the trip to see his family at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign with the 30-year-old giving his verdict on the club’s recruitment.
“It’s awesome,” Lino said when asked about the arrival of Trueman and Russell.
“It’s healthy competition which I think helps the whole team improve. To get players of that calibre to come in – hopefully, I can learn from them and they can learn from me. We’ll see who plays well and who puts their best foot forward.”
That duo aren’t the only Super League players that Wakefield Trinity have signed for 2025 with Catalans pair Tom Johnstone and Mike McMeeken two of the big names to arrive.
Others such as Corey Hall, Matty Storton and Cam Scott have, too, and Lino claims the new recruits have hit the ground running, with a particular nod to one familiar face.
He said: “I think they’ve all come in fit and fast, putting their best foot forward. It’s also good to see a familiar face in Tom Johnstone coming back. He was a good mate of mine when I first came.”
It’s now just two weeks until Wakefield takes on Leeds Rhinos in the traditional Boxing Day game, a fixture that Lino thinks will be a Christmas present for the Trinity fans.
“I’m keen for it,” he said.
“I’ll put my hand up for it if I get picked. I think it’s a good thing for the fans and we can hopefully showcase some new players as well. A Christmas gift.”
