Once again Wakefield Trinity have been written off again heading into 2023 and their first chance to prove people wrong comes on Friday night in Super League Round One as they host Catalans Dragons.
The West Yorkshire side are the favourites for relegation but have made some exciting signings such as Kevin Proctor and Renouf Atoni from the NRL as well as Featherstone Rovers halfback Morgan Smith and centre Samisoni Langi who could take on his former club this week.
Speaking of the Dragons, they are in something of a transition after playing in the Grand Final in 2021.
They haven’t finished their recruitment for 2023 either with two squad numbers left vacant. They have a former Wakefield star in their squad however in the shape of Tom Johnstone.
Injury News
Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity have been struck by two big blows for Round One with Liam Hood out with a knee injury and Jordy Crowther also absent.
He misses out through concussion protocols.
Both should be back shortly after Round One.
Hood’s absence opens the door for Morgan Smith and Liam Kay to push for a spot in the starting 13.
Catalans Dragons
The big news for Catalans is the fact that star player and two time Man of Steel Sam Tomkins misses out.
The England skipper and former Wigan Warriors star is absent through a knee injury whilst former Castleford Tigers man Mike McMeeken is absent after a broken arm.
Winger Fouad Yaha misses the game after surgery. Tyrone May is also absent after a dislocated hip against England playing for Samoa in the Rugby League World Cup.
How to watch
Sadly there is no live TV coverage of the game so the only way to watch live is to get down to Belle Vue for the 19:30 kick off.
Highlights will be available on the Super League YouTube channel and on BBC Sport’s The Super League Show.
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