Play-Offs: Hamlin-Uele chasing Old Trafford dream

Caleb Hamlin-Uele is among the key figures behind Wakefield Trinity's remarkable rise.

Having arrived as part of the club's ambitious rebuild, the powerhouse prop has been at the heart of a season that has already delivered history, helping Trinity secure their highest-ever Super League finish and earn a home Eliminator at the DIY Kitchens Stadium this Friday.

Hamlin-Uele’s outstanding performances throughout 2026 have now been recognised on an individual level too, with Trinity’s number 15 recently named in the Super League Dream Team.

For a player who has played a key role in Wakefield's transformation, the accolade came as a special moment.

Reflecting on both his own recognition and Trinity's campaign, Hamlin-Uele admitted the success the club has enjoyed this season has been no surprise to those inside the camp:

“It’s probably what we expected to be honest. We've been working really hard. We've got a great group of men there and this is pretty much what we had set our goals for, and we're nearly there."

Trinity's fourth-placed finish has ensured the club will host a home Eliminator this week, a landmark occasion for the city that has wholeheartedly embraced the team's resurgence.

And while the achievement is another monumental moment for the club, Hamlin-Uele believes it is a reward for the supporters who have backed Trinity every step of the way:

“It’s pretty amazing, to be honest. We always owe the fans so much. To see a little city like Wakefield be able to get a home Eliminator, is unreal."

There have been plenty of memorable moments along the journey this season, from a Challenge Cup upset to statement Super League victories and magic pieces of play, making it difficult for the prop to pinpoint a single highlight.

“There's been so many!

“Probably that assist from Caius [Faatili] against Leeds Rhinos at home - that try was pretty good.

“And maybe beating Leeds in the Challenge Cup, that was pretty good too.”

Friday night's Round 27 victory over Leigh Leopards completed the job and secured fourth place, but there will be little room for complacency as the same opponents return to West Yorkshire for a winner-takes-all Eliminator clash.

Wakefield ran out 8-19 winners in last week’s meeting, yet Hamlin-Uele expects a very different challenge when the Play-Offs get underway:

“It was weird one Friday. We knew fourth was nearly set in stone but had to confirm it.

“We’re expecting Leigh to be at their all-time best on Friday. They're a great team, they’ve got a great coach, and they’ve got very good leaders in their team.

“We’re expecting nothing less than a great Leigh side.”

The stakes could hardly be higher.

Wakefield have never reached a Super League Semi-Final where they have been just 80 minutes from a Grand Final, meaning victory would see Daryl Powell's side achieve another first in what has already been a groundbreaking year.

With anticipation building and a sell-out crowd expected at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, Hamlin-Uele is taking the occasion in his stride:

“I’m all good. I’m like a go with the flow kind of guy, so whatever is to come was probably already meant to happen. Maybe some of the younger boys are nervous, but we got some veterans in there who are pretty good at calming our nerves.”

Reaching Old Trafford remains the ultimate goal, though Hamlin-Uele knows there is still work to be done before anyone starts thinking about Grand Final Day.

Nevertheless, the prospect of helping Wakefield write another chapter of club history is driving the big man.

“I've just walked around the stadium [Old Trafford] and it is unreal.

“It would mean everything to be able to put us in with a chance of winning the Grand Final and be the sixth team to do it.

“Wakefield deserve it.

The journey makes the current success all the more meaningful for Hamlin-Uele. Having joined Trinity in 2025 during the early stages of the club's ambitious project, he has witnessed first-hand the progress made both on and off the field.

From investment in the club, to improvements around the stadium and a growing belief within the squad, Hamlin-Uele said:

“They have kept every promise. Coming over here and seeing all their words come to life is really amazing.

“What our owner Matt Ellis has done, Matt and his family, they've built a great team, and got great staff to get behind us.

"I think it's showing on the field how good the club is.

“Our fans have also been unreal throughout this year and hopefully we can get it done for you guys.”

2026 will already be a season to remember for Trinity, but with the Play-Offs on the horizon, Hamlin-Uele and Wakefield have their sights set on ensuring the story is far from finished…

Watch Wakefield Trinity v Leigh Leopards' Betfred Super League Play-Off Eliminator on Friday 18 September, live on Sky Sports (K.O. 8pm).

Click here to find out more and buy tickets for the Play-Offs.

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