Last season placing
League Position:ย 8th after regular season – 8th after Super 8’s
Challenge Cup:ย Semi-finalists
Safe for another year
After having to overcome Bradford Bulls in the first ever ยฃ1 million game in 2015, Wakefield Trinity were able to put their feet up during the Super 8’s knowing their top flight status was secure. If Salford Red Devils’ weren’t deducted six points for a salary cap breach then it would have been a different story, however as it stood Wakey managed to claw onto eighth spot and avoid the uncertainty of The Qualifiers.
No wins in their seven Super 8’s fixtures meant they stayed in eighth, however that won’t have mattered as they will have been content with another year in Super League.
Key Players
Danny Kirmond:ย The club captain is a leader on the field, and his dedicated to the Wakefield cause is clear for all to see from his performances in the Trinity shirt. He never shys away from a carry and his work rate in defence lifts the players around him when they need it the most.
Tom Johnstone:ย The wide man burst onto the scene last season with his electric pace, and if they are to survive another year in the top flight he will be key. His ability to score from anywhere on the field makes Johnstone a dangerous player for opposition defences, and he will be favourite to top their try scoring charts.
Jacob Miller:ย He provides the spark in attack for Wakefield and is another key member of their 2017 playing squad. With 10 tries to his name in their last campaignย he displayed his ability to take on the defensive line, and a lot of responsibility will be on the number sixes’ shoulders this season.
Story of 2017
As is the theme most years, Wakefield will be aiming to survive by any means necessary as the competition continues to grow stronger. With Leigh Centurions back in the top flight with a good squad, and last seasons bottom four surprise packages Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants looking to bounce back it could be a long year for the club.
The biggest threat will come from the division below though, and if they are unfortunate enough to finish in the bottom four then Hull KR will be leading the pack to snatch a top flight place from the Super League clubs in The Qualifiers. The fact that they have staved off relegation time and time again could work in their favour though.
Predictions
League Table:ย 12th
Challenge Cup:ย Quarter-finals
Top try scorer:ย Tommy Johnstone
Top points scorer:ย Liam Finn
Player of the Year:ย Danny Kirmond
