Chris Chester’s Wakefield side are looking to make it four wins from seven as they welcome the in-form Warrington Wolves to the Mobile Rocket Stadium for this round seven clash. Here’s everything you need to know.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Wakefield
Wakefield come into this one off the back of a victory against Hull FC, winning 32-12. They currently sit fifth, four points behind their opponents. They have a record of three wins and three losses this year but have only lost once in their last four.
Warringtonย
The Wire have only tasted defeat once this season against Catalans and currently sit second, two points behind current league leaders St Helens. Last time out, they beat Wigan 25-12 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
SQUAD NEWS
Wakefield
Chris Chester has made three changes to his side following last week’s victory against Hull FC. Winger Tom Johnstone is ruled out for the rest of the season, Danny Kirkmond is suspended and Bill Tupou is also sidelined. They are replaced by Max Jowitt, Jordan Baldwinson and Keegan Hirst.
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Wakefield 19-man squad: Arona, Arundel, Ashurst, Baldwinson, Brough, Crowther, England, Fifita, Hampshire, Hirst, Horo, Jones-Bishop, Jowitt, King, Kopczak, Lyne, Miller, Pauli, Wood
Warrington Wolves
Steve Price has been forced to make one change due to Ben Westwood being suspended for the next four weeks. Harvey Livett has been brought back into the side.
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Warrington 19-man squad: Atkins, Austin, Charnley, D Clark, J Clark, Cooper, Currie, Hill, Hughes, T King, Lineham, Livett, Mamo, Murdoch-Masila, Patton, Philbin, Ratchford, Tasi, Walker
HEAD TO HEAD
Last time out, Warrington beat Wakefield 36-24 at the Mobile Rocket Stadium in the final round of the Super 8s. Also in the last five meetings between the two sides, Warrington have won four and Wakefield one. However, the last five meetings at the Mobile Rocket stadium has seen three wins for the Wolves and two for Wakefield.
The Wire have won the last two matches at Trinity and have scored 68 points, winning 30-32 and 23-36.
KEY BATTLE
Danny Brough (Wakefield) v Blake Austin (Warrington)
This is the first meeting between these two half-backs but it is one of the key battles in this match.
For Wakefield, Danny Brough, the former Huddersfield player, rejoined Trinity this season and has been key for them so far. With five try assists, 26 goals and seven offloads, the only issue in his game is his ill-discipline, having racked up two sin bins so far. However, the Scottish international sits fourth on the Man of Steel points table, with seven points gained so far.
For Warrington is Blake Austin. The former Canberra man has settled into the league well so far. One of the key players for the Wire, he has had four try assists, nine offloads and 91 carries. The 28-year-old always has a part to play with the Wolves and can make something from nothing. Wakefield will need to keep a close eye on him as he could run riot if allowed.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Thursday 21st March
Venue: Mobile Rocket Stadiumย
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Ben Thaler
WHO WILL WIN?
I think this match will be a close one with both sides having some form and an impressive performance last time out. However, I feel that with the loss of Tom Johnstone, Trinity could be limited on points. Therefore, I’m going for a Wolves win by 6-12 points!
