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

It’s been years since Daryl Powell lost to Wakefield such was his dominance over the Cas-Trinity derby, but now at Warrington on the back of two defeats, can he maintain that positive form against the West Yorkshire side.

The Wolves have indeed lost the last two but to the teams who finished first and second in the table last year and contested the Grand Final. So, it certainly could be worse but shows there’s still work to be done for Powell’s men and it starts with this game against Wakefield in which they start as favourites.

As for Wakefield, they ended their winless start to the campaign with a scrappy victory over Toulouse last week. Willie Poching will be hoping they can build on that at the Halliwell Jones.

Team News

Warrington have lost Rob Mulhern to a Head Injury Assessment and may yet lose talisman Daryl Clark after he picked up a knock against St Helens although he has been included in Daryl Powell’s 21-man squad. There’s still no Josh Charnley through suspension and Joe Bullock is also absent due to injury having started last week’s defeat to St Helens. Joe Philbin is available after escaping a ban whilst Matt Davis returns from suspension. Billy Magoulias could make his Warrington debut after signing over the winter.

It’s more positive news for Wakefield. They have skipper Jacob Miller back in the fold this weekend. Unfortunately, they’re still without ex-Warrington winger Tom Lineham as well as fullback Max Jowitt. Jordy Crowther could return to the side after not featuring against Toulouse last week.

Match Preview – Key Battles:

Josh Thewlis vs Tom Johnstone: This is going to be a massive test of young Josh Thewlis. One of Warrington’s surprise packages in 2021, the young fullback/winger will again figure on the right edge in place of the suspended Josh Charnley. He comes up against the brilliant Tom Johnstone who continues to score outstanding tries. Thewlis will hope to contain him.

Gareth Widdop vs Jacob Miller: Gareth Widdop is quite rightly one of the highest rated halfbacks in the league such was his success in the NRL and impressive performances for England. Tomorrow he comes up against one of the most underrated halfbacks in the returning Jacob Miller. Should Miller hit the ground running and boss the game, the dangerous Widdop may struggle to impact the contest.

Daryl Clark vs Liam Hood: Liam Hood returned with a try last week against Toulouse and will be full of confidence this week. Against Daryl Clark on the back of a knock last week, he may think he can cause the Wolves problems down the middle. However, if Clark gets his usual foothold in the game he could be hard to handle.

Where the game will be won and lost:

Warrington are always a dangerous side such is the quality of their squad. They’ll look to get a roll on down the middle before playing with width having pulled Wakefield in. Trinity will have to stop them from doing exactly that, restrict Warrington’s chances but take their own which is something they’ve struggled with recently.

Score Prediction: Warrington Wolves 24-6 Wakefield Trinity