Trinity sign duo following trial period

Wakefield Trinity have announced that John Davetanivalu and Tom Minns have both signed a one-year deal with the club following a trial period across pre-season.

Davetanivalu and Minns have been training with Trinity on a trial basis for a number of weeks, with both players getting a start against Leeds Rhinos at Headingley during their Boxing Day pre-season fixture. Minns started in the centre and Davetanivalu on the wing.

Minns (27) has a wealth of Super League experience after spells with Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR and London Broncos. Meanwhile, Davetanivalu (27), a member of the army, is looking to grab his opportunity with both hands throughout 2022.

Head Coach Willie Poching is pleased to bolster his squad with the addition of the pair, and said: “I’m really excited to have both on-board and, more importantly, so are their teammates.

“John is with the army but has played a lot of Rugby League as a junior, having grown up in this country. He was after an opportunity to try his hand at the professional game, and we gave him a trial, in which he has excelled to the point where he has earned a contract. He knows his position in the squad and knows he has a lot of learning to do but I’ll give a lot of credit to Tom Johnstone who has taken him under his wing and helped him learn a lot about the game. We look forward to seeing John picking more up and flourishing in the next little while.

“As for Minnsy, I worked with him at Hull KR and he was looking for an opportunity to come back and play in Super League. I knew he was hungry as well as knowing of his talent and he’s fitted into the squad really well. Again, like John, he’s earned his contract on merit and hopefully he can string a few games together and get some consistency whilst being on the field. Tom is another one who will get an opportunity throughout the year and he could be really invaluable for us.??

Davetanivalu said: “I’m looking forward to getting started. The boys and coaching staff have been very welcoming and we have a real tight-knit team here so I’m looking forward to the start of the season and hopefully getting some good results.

“I had a run on Boxing Day and really enjoyed it. It was different to what I expected it to be like and pretty fast, but I will be better for the experience and I’m just blessed for the opportunity Willie has given me.??

Minns said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. It’s a massive thing for me and my family to get back into Super League and it’s something that I’ve been aiming towards.

“As you know, I signed a two-year deal at Newcastle which I didn’t go through with due to family reasons and being away from my young family was starting to affect us. I came over to Wakefield and loved every minute. I worked with Willie previously at Hull KR and he makes you work hard for things; he doesn’t just hand things over on a plate, and to be rewarded with a contract is something I’m pleased with because I know that I have earned that contract so I’m happy with it.??