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Wakefield Wildcats: New-look Fox is ready to rumble
Peter Fox.
Rejoining Wakefield Trinity Wildcats has been a weight off winger Peter Fox’s mind – and his body as well.
Fox, who had two years at Wakefield before moving to Hull KR in 2008, is set to make his second home debut on Sunday, against his previous club.
The former Leeds Rhinos academy speedster got his his latest spell at Wakefield off to a flying start with two tries in last weekend’s opening Stobart Super League win at Widnes Vikings.
And he revealed a dramatic weight loss has helped revitalise his career, after he hit a bad spell last year.
“I have slotted straight in,” Fox said of his return to West Yorkshire. “Last weekend I just felt relaxed and happy to be out there.
“It felt like when I was playing well two years ago. The big thing is I have lost weight, I am a stone lighter than I was.
“I did a lot of weights in pre-season last year and I was a bit unfit. This year I’ve lost the weight and I’m feeling on top of the world.”
Fox said it was his own decision to bulk up, but he took the weight off after comments from team-mates.
“I love working hard in the gym,” he said. “I did that, my diet was good and I piled the weight on. I am a winger not a back-rower, but I looked like one.
“People were telling me I was too big, I was looking lethargic and not fit. I thought I could keep that weight and be fit, but I was wrong.
“I’ve learned from that, losing that weight has put a yard of pace on and I am back to my old self.”
Fox scored 52 tries in 95 Super League appearances for Hull KR, earning England honours and a place in the 2009 Dream Team, but played only 17 times in the competition last year, bagging five touchdowns.
He admitted Sunday’s game has been ringed on his calendar since the fixtures were published last autumn.
“I know it’s going to be a big game,” he said. “They know how I play so it’s going to be a tough one for me personally, but I am looking forward to the challenge.
“I don’t really have a point to prove. Obviously it didn’t go well last year, for whatever reason. The team didn’t go well and I wasn’t happy for one reason or another.
“But the good news is I am happy now and I’m really enjoying it here at Wakefield.
“I remember from when I was here four years ago it was a family club and it hasn’t changed.
“They have signed some really skilful players and it’s good to get to know new people as well. It has freshened me up and hopefully that’ll show on the field.”
Fox added: “I had some really good times at Hull KR, but last year I didn’t play much. The team wasn’t going well and there was a lot of pressure on the club and the coach.
“That was probably reflected in our performances. It wasn’t the best and that’s the reason why I moved on.”
Fox will have no qualms about celebrating if he gets over the line on Sunday. He said: “I celebrate tries whatever team I’m in.
“I am very passionate and it’s good to be back at Wakefield, which is the team I made my Super League debut for – against Rovers. Wakefield does hold a place in my heart, I am loving being here and I couldn’t be happier at the moment.”
This week’s freezing weather has disrupted Wildcats’ training schedule, forcing them to train at Sheffield United early in the week and in an indoor facility in Huddersfield yesterday.
Fox said: “There’s ways round it, you just have to get on with it.”
Wildcats chief executive James Elston is confident Sunday’s game will go ahead, but coach Richard Agar revealed playing on Monday night could be a possibility if it fails to beat the big freeze.
Improved facilites at Rapid Solicitors Stadium, Belle Vue – including more cover for fans – are due to be in place time for the visit of Bradford Bulls on February 25.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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