Improving Wakefield Trinity Wildcats still a work in progress says Chester

Wildcats have won all three of their games since Chester – who succeeded Brian Smith –took charge in the week before Easter.

Victories over Huddersfield Giants, Leeds Rhinos and Salford Red Devils have fuelled hopes Wildcats could push into First Utility Super League’s top-eight, but they face a huge challenge tomorrow at home to title hopefuls Wigan Warriors.

Chester reckons it is the sort of game he wants at this stage as he gets to know the squad and they adapt to his style of play.

“I am still finding out about them and they are still finding out about the way I work,” Chester said.

“So far so good and there’s a lot of smiling faces at the club, but we are not getting too carried away.

“We know in sport how quickly it can turn on its head, but we are just enjoying the ride at this moment in time.”

Chester insisted he has had no problem keeping his players grounded, despite their recent impressive wins.

“They are all pretty level-headed this group,” he said.

“But they have had a lot of tough times over the last few years, so we are enjoying things at the moment.

“It is just an enjoyable place to work and we are putting ourselves in a position to kick on.”

Chester reckons prop-forward Nick Scruton’s chase back to catch and haul down Salford half-back Michael Dobson in last Saturday’s game highlighted the spirit in Wildcats’ camp.

“It typified the character and desire within the group,” he said.

“That is what this group is all about.

“They want to work hard for each other and not let their mates down.”

Wigan will be Wildcats’ toughest test so far under Chester.

The visitors will be looking to bounce back from last week’s home loss to Warrington Wolves and Chester said: “They are [at the start of the round] second in the table and they are there for a reason.

“They are the second most consistent team this season and it is going to be another step up and another massive challenge for us.”

Chester has made two changes to the 19-man squad that were victorious over Salford Red Devils last week, Stuart Howarth and Ashley Gibson coming in for Craig Hall and Jason Walton.

Wigan, who have seen a sickness bug hit their camp this week, welcome back England second-row John Bateman while 18 year-old Jack Wells is also included for a potential debut.

Liam Farrell drops out due to suspension and captain Sean O’Loughlin also misses out for Wigan with a hamstring injury.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: from: Arona, Arundel, Ashurst, England, Finn, Gibson, Johnstone, Jones-Bishop, Jowitt, Kirmond, Lyne, Miller, Molloy, Moore, Scruton, Simon, Sio, A Tupou, Howarth.

Wigan Warriors: Bateman, Bretherton, Burke, Chanley, Clubb, Gildart, Gregson, Higginson, Isa, Manfredi, Mossop, Powell, Sarginson, Smithm, Sutton, Tautai, Tierney, J Tomkins, Wells.

Referee: Gareth Hewer (RFL).

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 3pm.