Wakefield Trinity vs Warrington Wolves: Team news, match preview and score prediction

You’d have been given long odds at the start of the season on Warrington being just two points above 11th place as we head into the second half of the season, but Daryl Powell’s men do indeed find themselves in the bottom three and desperate for a win against a side they’ve lost to twice this season.

That team is of course Wakefield who are the side directly below the Wolves and they’ll smell blood taking on a Wolves side on the back of a thumping defeat having won themselves to get back on track.

So, you get the feeling that this fixture could be central to the directions both these teams head in for the rest of the campaign.

Team News

The big news at Wakefield has recently surrounded Tom Johnstone’s absence but matters have been made worse by the loss of Reece Lyne last week against Hull FC. This could open the door for Max Jowitt to return to the side in some capacity.

There could be a debut for Thomas Mikaele for Warrington as Kyle Amor gears up for his second appearance. They’ve lost Peter Mata’utia to suspension which could see Josh Thewlis return.

Match Preview – Key Battles:

Lee Gaskell vs Gareth Widdop: Both Wakefield and Warrington have recently entrusted a halfback at fullback. After a superb performance at the back against St Helens, Widdop struggled to impact the game against Leeds last week and will be determined to make a statement. As for Lee Gaskell, he’s a threat no matter where he plays making this an interesting clash.

Jacob Miller vs George Williams: Despite speculation surrounding his future, Jacob Miller was the hero for Wakefield last week and has enjoyed playing against Warrington this season. He’ll be up against George Williams in the halves who struggled against the Rhinos despite running for over 100 metres. Can he bounce back?

Where the game will be won and lost:

This game could all be about momentum of which Warrington seemingly have none. They need to forget the past and try and get back to their best. As for Wakefield, they’ll be buzzing after last week’s win and will be hoping to generate some real momentum to pull themselves away from the bottom.

Score Prediction: Wakefield Trinity 28-16 Warrington Wolves