Wakefield Trinity vs Leeds Rhinos: Kick-off time, TV channel and predicted line-ups

Two sides without a win in 2022 butt heads in an intriguing West Yorkshire derby tonight. Both Wakefield and Leeds will no doubt be desperate to pick up a first win of their campaign to really kickstart things for them this year and being up against local rivals will only intensify their desperation to pick up that elusive first win.

Arguably, Wakefield will come into the game in much more of a positive mood. They’ve pushed every team they’ve played so far including last year’s top two. They even made a good account of themselves against the all-conquering Champions St Helens last week.

As for Leeds, since a real noteworthy performance in Round One against Warrington, the Rhinos have looked lacklustre especially in attack. They’ll need that to change pretty quickly especially if they want to pick up a first win at Wakefield’s expense.

Kick-off time and TV channel

The game kicks off at 8pm at Belle Vue.

TV coverage of the contest will start at 7:30pm on Sky Sports Arena.

Predicted Line-ups

Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield’s backline will be hit by a whirlwind of change this weekend with Corey Hall and Tom Lineham now unavailable. Fortunately, for Trinity they can call upon Lewis Murphy who caught the eye in the reserves last week with a brace against Hull KR as well as the ever reliable Liam Kay and James Batchelor who did a good job at centre against Catalans. They also have a welcome boost in the return of Mason Lino after he scored for the reserves last week as well. Kelepi Tanginoa, on the back of a recent birthday, will also return most likely to the bench. The impressive Harry Bowes will remain at nine whilst I can’t see Brad Walker being dropped after some positive performances in difficult circumstances over the last fortnight.

1 Max Jowitt
27 Lewis Murphy
19 Liam Kay
16 James Batchelor
2 Tom Johnstone
6 Jacob Miller
7 Mason Lino
35 David Fifita
24 Harry Bowes
10 Tinirau Arona
11 Matty Ashurst
13 Jay Pitts
14 Jordy Crowther
Substitutes
8 Eddie Battye
12 Kelepi Tanginoa
15 Jai Whitbread
21 Brad Walker

Leeds Rhinos
As with Wakefield, there should be plenty of change in the Rhinos backline. David Fusitu’a and Harry Newman’s return means we could see Leeds’ strongest right edge for the first time this season. This is somewhat harsh on Liam Tindall who has played well in the last two games. Elsewhere, I can see Jack Broadbent returning after an impressive hat-trick for the reserves last week. Rhyse Martin is also back after time away on compassionate leave and his return is timely following Alex Mellor’s injury against Catalans.

1 Jack Walker
2 David Fusitu’a
3 Harry Newman
23 Jack Broadbent
5 Ash Handley
6 Blake Austin
7 Aidan Sezer
8 Mikolaj Oledzki
9 Kruise Leeming
10 Matt Prior
12 Rhyse Martin
21 Morgan Gannon
13 Zane Tetevano
Substitutes
14 Brad Dwyer
17 Cameron Smith
19 Bodene Thompson
24 Jarrod O’Connor