2023 Season Preview: Wakefield Trinity

Sitting at the foot of the table in late July ahead of a possible eighteenth consecutive derby day loss to Castleford Tigers, things were beginning to look bleak for Wakefield Trinity. But a rousing performance at the Jungle earned Trinity a huge 32-6 against West Yorkshire rivals Castleford. That win lifted Trinity from the bottom of the table - and in doing so instigated a revival which elevated them into tenth place at the end of the 2022 season.

There's been no shortage of change at Trinity during the off season. Willie Poching departed the club after just one full season in charge, replaced internally by the highly regarded Mark Applegarth. On the pitch, Jacob Miller's departure has put a dent in Trinity's creative arsenal - as well as losing other experienced players such as David Fifita and Tinirau Arona. Irrespective of those losses, there's still plenty of potential left at the club. Star man Mason Lino will take the reigns in the halves, whilst big things will be expected from Lewis Murphy after a breakout season in 2022. Survival will be key for Trinity this year but internally, they will be quietly confident of battling for a top six position.

Ins & outs

Ins

Kevin Proctor (unattached), Morgan Smith (Featherstone Rovers), Renouf Atoni (Sydney Roosters), Samisoni Langi (Catalans Dragons)

Outs

Jacob Miller (Castleford Tigers), James Batchelor (Hull KR), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Yusuf Aydin (Hull KR), David Fifita (released), Sadiq Adebiyi (Keighley Cougars), Tinirau Arona (released), Brad Walker (Keighley Cougars), Thomas Minns (released)

Ones to watch

2023 stars

Mason Lino will be tasked with leading Trinity round the park in 2023 following Jacob Miller's off-season departure. There will be increased pressure on Lino's shoulders as he becomes Trinity's go-to half back ? a job he is more than capable of taking on.

It didn't take long for Lino to settle into life at Wakefield when he arrived in 2021, producing several stand out performances during his two seasons at the Club. Lino is also off contract at the end of the 2023, giving him added motivation to perform at his best ahead of pivotal season for both Lino and Trinity.

Lino's cut out ball ? Murphy's flying finish ?

Quality @WTrinityRL try to hit the front ?#SuperLeague #SLWakHKR pic.twitter.com/FlimfoTF1i
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 25, 2022

2022 was a breakout year for young starlet Lewis Murphy. He rose to stardom after a run of standout performances, but not before a tough debut in Round 4 against the Rhinos. However, he bounced back emphatically, ending the season with 17 tries from 19 appearances which included several highlight reel finishes from seemingly impossible positions.

His wing spot certainly isn't guaranteed in 2023 with both Tom Lineham and Jorge Taufua vying for a starting position, but Murphy's end of year form should give him first shot. Alongside his try scoring antics, Murphy impressively developed other aspects of both his attack and defence and will benefit from another pre season ahead of a promising 2023.

Next generation

Sam Eseh could be set for a breakout year at Trinity in 2023. He returns to the club after a hugely beneficial loan spell at Featherstone Rovers last season which saw him named Championship Young Player of the Year. His time at the Millennium Stadium was an invaluable chance to gain experience and confidence against tough opposition. 

Now, he returns to Trinity hoping to break into the first team and cement a regular spot in their matchday 17. And with the likes of David Fifita and Tinirau Arona leaving the club during the off season, there's a gap to fill in Wakefield's front row which Eseh could be set to capitalise on. 

Defining dates

With newly promoted Leigh recruiting well ahead of 2023, and the Wolves on a mission to ensure their eleventh placed finish was nothing more than a blip, Trinity have work to do next season. The competition will be wide open as every side battle for a place in the top flight beyond 2023.

The new season will likely go down to the wire and Trinity finish the year with three huge match ups. In Round 25, they host Catalans Dragons at the Be Well Support Stadium. That's followed by an away clash against Leigh during the penultimate round of the season, which could have huge permutations for 2023 league positions, before Mark Applegarth's side host the Robins in the final round of season.

Squad list

1. Max Jowitt, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Corey Hall, 4. Reece Lyne, 5. Tom Lineham, 6. Lee Gaskell, 7. Mason Lino, 8. Eddie Battye, 9. Liam Hood, 10. Jai Whitbread, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Kelepi Tanginoa, 13. Jay Pitts, 14. Jordan Crowther, 15. Liam Kay, 16. Josh Bowden, 17. Renouf Atoni, 18. Lee Kershaw, 19. Kevin Proctor, 20. Morgan Smith, 21. Samisoni Langi, 22. Rob Butler, 23. Lewis Murphy, 24. Harry Bowes, 25. Sam Eseh, 26. Dane Windrow, 27. Robbie Butterworth, 28. Ellis Roberts, 29. Joe Law, 30. Oliver Pratt.