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2026 Season Preview: Wakefield Trinity
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Wakefield Trinity impressed in 2025, securing a Play-Off place in their first year back in the Betfred Super League.
Like Leigh Leopards two years prior, Trinity bucked the trend of newly promoted sides producing underwhelming performances in their first season and finishing at the foot of the table.
Last year, Daryl Powell’s side beat four of the top five – illustrating the club’s overall progress under owner Matt Ellis, which has seen a remarkable rebuild both on and off the field.
Trinity have already proved they can compete at the highest level, but the task for them now is learning how to win the close games. It's a must if they are ever going to be contenders for any silverware.
Perhaps it bows down to experience, but those narrow defeats in 2025 proved costly. In fact, Trinity lost seven games by six points or less...imagine where they could have ended up in the final league standings had those results been the other way round?
Nevertheless, it will go down as a successful season, with Trinity full of ambition for 2026. And they have had two huge upgrades acquiring NRL duo Tyson Smoothy and Jazz Tevaga, as well as retaining their existing talent, which is something they haven't always been fortunate enough to do.
There’s a feel-good factor around the club and it’s exciting times at Wakefield after so many past years of struggle.
Can Trinity take it one step further and secure back-to-back Play-Off places for the first time in their Super League history? It's a big ask, but it's definitely not out of their reach...
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— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) January 12, 2026
A superb effort from all players and staff this past week in Tenerife. We’re a stronger team for the experience, and better prepared for the season ahead. Now the hard work continues back in Blighty ready for round 1. pic.twitter.com/tXZB3FVN2e
Ins & Outs:
Ins: Neil Tchamambe (Hull KR), Tyson Smoothy (Brisbane Broncos), Jazz Tevaga (Manly Sea Eagles), Tray Lolesio (Dolphins), Jordan Williams (Featherstone), Kian McGann (St Helens), Will Tate (Castleford), Jack Sinfield (Leeds)
Outs: Josh Griffin, Jack Croft, Liam Hood, Mathieu Cozza, Matty Russell, Renouf Atoni, Neil Tchamambe, Myles Lawford, Olly Russell
Who are the ones to watch?
Tyson Smoothy is Trinity’s headline signing and joins the West Yorkshire side from NRL Premiers Brisbane Broncos. Smoothy adds elite experience and speed around the ruck, which could be something that helps take Wakefield to the next level.
Samoan international Jazz Tevaga competed in the 2025 Pacific Championships. He brings over 150 NRL games of experience, and his fearlessness and physicality will make him an influential figure for Trinity.
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— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) December 19, 2025
First week of action for Jazz! Settling right into the Trin way of life!#UpTheTrin pic.twitter.com/AuHkdJuUgD
Matty Storton quickly became one of the club's standout forwards last season. After a string of impressive performances in 2025, despite a lengthy lay off due to injury, he's now signed up until 2029, making him a core player in Trinity’s long-term future. Super League could be yet to see the best of Storton.
Loyal Wakefield pair Max Jowitt and Tom Johnstone are inevitable ones to watch, as well as leader and skipper Mike McMeeken. After an Ashes Series under their belts, Johnstone and McMeeken will be able to bring valuable experience and lessons into the group for the upcoming season.
Who is the next generation?
Harvey Smith is a rising star. The high-octane young hooker played all but three Super League matches in an eye-catching break-out campaign.
With Smoothy to guide him in the number 9 position, we should see Smith flourish over the coming years.
Keep an eye out for Jayden Myers – he’s only just starting out. He featured on the wing for the first team eight times in 2025, and knows how to put on a show when given the opportunity.
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— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) December 17, 2025
What are the defining dates?
There’s a real chance for Trinity to kick off their 2026 campaign strong. They host Toulouse in Round 1, for the first time since the 2024 Betfred Championship Grand Final, and literal fireworks are expected.
Three fixtures against Huddersfield Giants, Warrington Wolves and Hull FC then follow, and these were teams who finished below the Trin last year. Can they capitalise here and get some points on the board early on? Every two points is going to matter in 2026…
Rivals Round screams revenge – they travel to Castleford Tigers’ on Easter Sunday and will want to right their wrongs from their previous outing at the OneBore Stadium.
Magic WKND was enjoyable last year for Wakefield, so they are expected to be circle this date in their calendar.
August is a tricky month and will certainly test Daryl Powell’s men and their resilience – they face Leeds Rhinos, St Helens and Wigan Warriors in a row.
Saints proved to be a problem team last year and were the only top six side that Trinity didn't manage to beat. They suffered three heavy defeats at the hands of the Red V.
Finally, what implications could Leigh versus Wakefield have in Round 27? Could this have any say on league standings or Play-Off places?
What is the 2026 squad list?
1. Max Jowitt, 2. Oli Pratt, 3. Cam Scott, 4. Corey Hall, 5. Tom Johnstone, 6. Jake Trueman, 7. Mason Lino, 8. Mike McMeeken, 9. Tyson Smoothy, 10. Ky Rodwell, 11. Seth Nikotemo, 12. Matty Storton, 13. Jazz Tevaga, 14. Jay Pitts, 15. Caleb Hamlin-Uele, 16. Caius Faatili, 17. Harvey Smith, 18. Isaiah Vagana, 19. Lachlan Walmsley, 20. Jack Sinfield, 21. Jayden Myers, 22. Tommy Doyle, 23. Josh Rourke, 24. Tray Lolesio, 25. Jordan Williams, 26. TBC, 27. Myles Lawford, 28. Noah High, 29. Ellis Lingard, 30. Neil Tchamambe, 31. Kian McGann, 32. Will Tate
What are Trinity's first three games on SuperLeague+?
SuperLeague+ is back for another HUGE year of live action, and this is when fans can watch Trinity in the opening rounds (UK and Ireland)*
- Round 1: Wakefield Trinity v Toulouse Olympique – Saturday 14 February (K.O. 8pm)
- Round 2: Huddersfield Giants v Wakefield Trinity – Sunday 22 February (K.O. 3pm)
- Round 3: Warrington Wolves v Wakefield Trinity – Saturday 28 February (K.O. 5.30pm)
*Overseas viewers can watch EVERY Trinity match LIVE every week.
Sign up to SuperLeague+ today to enjoy 130 LIVE games, full match replays, highlights and other exclusive on demand content!
What are Trinity's Betfred Odds?
Grand Final – 40/1
Regular season winner – 50/1
Top 6 finish – 9/4
Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Winner – Max Jowitt, Tom Johnstone and Tyson Smoothy 33/1
Click here for the full list of Betfred Super League betting odds
Where can I follow Trinity on social media?
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Trinity and 30 years of Super League:
"Super League’s Great Survivors" would be the best way to describe Wakefield Trinity.
They sealed Super League status with a thrilling victory over Featherstone in the 1998 Championship Grand Final and remained in the top flight for the next 24 years.
Trinity, also known as Wildcats until 2016, have been involved in relegation battles more than most - fighting to stay up rather than chasing titles.
One of the most famous came in 2006 when Wakefield secured their status on the last day by beating local rivals Castleford Tigers. "The Battle of Belle Vue" drew a record crowd of 11,000.
Then, almost a decade later, they survived by the skin of their teeth with a last-minute try against Bradford Bulls in the 2015 Million Pound Game. And again in 2019, there was more final day drama as Wakefield defeated London Broncos to stay up and send their opponents down.
There really were the cats with nine lives, until their luck ran out in 2023 and they finally succumbed to the drop after finishing bottom of the pile.
After a strong year in the Championship winning all that was on offer, they are back in Super League with a new owner who has invested in the club, and a significantly upgraded DIY Kitchens Stadium.
Wakefield have reached the Play-Offs a total of four times in Super League history – 2004, 2009, 2012 and most recently, 2025. They are yet to add any Super League silverware to their name.
Will a transformed Trinity now begin to push beyond expectations?
