With their season opener just around the corner we look at how Wakefield Trinity will go in 2021.
Wakefield will be looking to get back to winning ways and a positive win/loss differential having slipped down the Super League table year on year since a fifth place finish in 2017.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Signings
Embed from Getty ImagesMason Lino (Newcastle Knights), Eddie Battye (London Broncos).
Departures
Ryan Atkins, Danny Kirmond, Ben Jones-Bishop, Daniel Barcoe, Harry Dodd (all York City Knights), Craig Kopczak (Featherstone Rovers), Danny Brough (Bradford Bulls), Romain Navarrete (London Broncos), Tony Gigot (released).
First Five
Leeds Rhinos (H), Wigan Warriors (A), St Helens (A), Hull FC (A), Catalans Dragons (H).
WHAT TO EXPECT
Wakefield look set to improve on their 11th place finish last season with a strengthened squad after some astute off season acquisitions. They have retained the core of their squad that excelled last season and have now added NRL half-back Mason Lino alongside ex-London Broncos forward, Eddie Battye. Kelepi Tanginoa hit his straps last season and combined with a fit David Fifita this season alongside the ever-energetic Battye, the Wakefield pack should be rejuvenated.
This could be their main edge given they will be guided round by a perfect mix of youth and experience in Lino and Miller; it should be an exciting watch for Wakefield fans this season. The assembled squad should be in contention for the top six, and although the quality of the competition is high this year, Wakefield should finish in the top eight with ease.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Wakefield recruitment has been, without doubt, short but sweet. They’ve picked quality as opposed to the scattergun approaches employed by sides like Leigh, and signed a solid NRL player with a point to prove in Lino, as well as Battye who is looking to cement his place in a Super League side after being a cult hero at London Broncos. Both will add an immeasurable amount to the side that has now been strengthened in both the forwards and the backs.
The departures board signals somewhat of a cleanout and it looks a comprehensive one at that. Elders statesmen and a couple of mavericks have now moved on, leaving the remaining core able to mould their own identity under the guidance well-equipped Chris Chester. It will be interesting to see how the side develops and they certainly have the potential to do exceptional things this season.
Trinity have been hit with somewhat of a tough draw to start their super league campaign, drawing the two Grand Finalists, a rejuvenated Leeds side, the maverick Catalans and Hull FC with Josh Reynolds. The first five will be a good test for Chester’s men and anywhere over two wins would be a good start for Trinity, though they have an extremely high ceiling as a side, so four is not out of the question.
FEARLESS PREDICTIONS
Embed from Getty ImagesTop Tryscorer – Tom Johnstone
Top Pointscorer – Mason Lino
Club Player of the Year – Kelepi Tanginoa
