Kirmond stays positive ahead of the qualifiers

The influential second-row underwent shoulder surgery recently and was initially expected to miss the rest of the campaign for Super League’s bottom club.

They, of course, face a vital battle to secure safety in the forthcoming qualifiers as they tackle fellow strugglers Salford Red Devils, Widnes Vikings and Hull KR plus the four leading Championship sides.

“It’s not looking likely,” said Kirmond when asked if he could appear before the end.

“There’s a chance I might catch a game or two later on but I’m pushing a bit at the moment and am not 100 per cent confident

“I am a bit ahead of schedule so there’s a bit of a chance but I doubt it.

“I’m just making sure I stay positive; the main thing when you’re injured is not to become distant, mope around or get into a negative attitude,

“You can still inspire people. Everyone’s been injured but if they see you being positive and pushing back as you want to play with these guys, it gives them a bit of a lift, too.

“It’s good to be around the boys and around the squad being a part of it. Brian (Smith) is big on that.”

Wakefield are one of the favourites to be at least dragged into potential relegation trouble.

Smith sees his Wakefield side start their qualifiers campaign against familiar opponents when they head to Salford a week tomorrow.

The esteemed veteran Australian coach, 61, is credited with improving most clubs he has taken charge of in his long career and Trinity certainly need his experience.

Kirmond, 29, admitted: “The goal for everyone will be to get a couple of wins early as that takes a bit of pressure off you and puts pressure on others.

“That’s key to getting out of there. I think it’s a good start for us playing Salford, a side in a similar position to ourselves, while we’re seeing the Brian Smith-effect.

“We’ve had one win under him against Hull and were unlucky not to get another in the reverse fixture.

“We lost at Huuddersfield Giants on Sunday but it was the best we’ve performed in quite a long while. They’re a good team but Brian has brought everyone together and he demands the best from everyone. We’re starting to see that on the field a little more again.”