When Wakefield were blown away in the first half of their West Yorkshire derby with Leeds in Round Four, Trinity looked a long way off where they want to be.
However, since then Trinity have been superb beating Warrington twice away from home to progress to the last eight of the Challenge Cup having beaten Toulouse prior to these back-to-back wins. Riding high, they’ll be looking to make it four wins in a row at the expense of Salford.
The Red Devils have had an up and down season so far but have three league wins to their name with their latest coming with a superb performance against Leeds in Round Six. Since then they’ve been dumped out of the cup but could very well cause Wakefield plenty of problems at Belle Vue.
Team News:
There’s big news for Wakefield as Tom Johnstone returns to the side after missing last week’s win over Warrington. He’ll replace Lewis Murphy on the wing. On the other flank, Liam Kay could keep his place having spent much of the season at nine. Morgan Escare’s time on loan at the club has come to an end and he has instead moved onto Barrow on loan. David Fifita may also return after missing last week’s cup tie.
Escare’s parent club Salford have moved three other players out on loan in the shape of Danny Addy, Jack Wells and Matt Costello – a bold move with the likes of Shane Wright and James Greenwood currently unavailable. Greg Burke could make a return to the side as well. Dan Sarginson is also back after a lengthy absence leaving Paul Rowley with a conundrum at centre. There will be little to think about on the wing however with Ken Sio’s return most definitely seeing him replace Rhys Williams on the right.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Tom Johnstone vs Ken Sio: Two outstanding wingers are set to do battle despite only just returning to the side. Both are capable of winning this game on their own such is their try scoring ability, pace and power. A shoot out between two of the best try scorers in the game then so it could be a case of tries galore down that edge.
Jacob Miller vs Marc Sneyd: Two experienced Super League halfbacks central to the way their team attacks, both have been brilliant in 2022. It stands to reason that the halfback who can get control of the game quicker will lead their side to victory especially if they can piece together a potent attack.
David Fifita vs King Vuniyayawa: Since joining Salford, King Vuniyayawa has proven why Leeds should’ve kept him. Full of energy and threat, he challenges middles whether starting or coming off the bench. He’ll be up against one of the best and most dangerous props in the business tomorrow as he takes on the brilliant David Fifita if he does indeed play. It could be a titanic clash as the bigger Fifita battles with Vuniyayawa’s untold energy.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Both sides are evenly matched across the field, though you’d expect Wakefield to have a slight advantage down the middle of the pitch perhaps giving them the majority of attacking opportunities. However, Salford are very capable of holding out and hitting people on the counter as they did against Leeds. Ultimately, this game may be decided by what players like Ryan Brierley and Jacob Miller can conjure up in key moments.
Score Prediction: Wakefield Trinity 24-22 Salford Red Devils