Wakefield Trinity boss aims for repeat performance at Hull KR

Trinity begin their Betfred Super League season away to Hull KR - where they won 28-6 in the opening round of the 2018 campaign.

Coach Chris Chester’s men went on to finish fifth that year, an achievement which would earn them a play-offs spot this time around.

“We played there in round one two years ago and came away with a really good result,” the team boss recalled.

“We played them a couple of weeks ago [in Danny Brough’s testimonial game] so I think they know how we like to place and vice-versa.

“It is going to be an interesting first game. It is a very hard place to go and get any kind of result, but we will be ready and we are looking forward to it.”

Trinity have had a difficult pre-season in terms of injuries and will be without at least six first-choice players tonight.

But Chester reckons preparations have gone well and he insisted: “We had a good camp in Alicante and a couple of good fixtures over the last couple of weeks.

“I think everybody’s excited about 2020 and what the competition is going to be all about.”

Trinity faded in the second half of 2019 and found themselves in a relegation battle, so a win this evening would be good for team morale.

But Chester pointed out: “We started well last year and fell away. We don’t want to be chasing our tails so it is important we get a really good start.

“We’ve got what I think is a good opening few rounds, one at home and two away, so I am looking forward to just getting out there.

“Competitions aren’t won and lost in the opening few weeks, but we have seen some good signs in pre-season, some really positive signs.”

The round one showdown will be overshadowed by the injury suffered by Hull KR prop Mose Masoe when the sides met at Mobile Rocket Stadium, Belle Vue, earlier this month. Masoe has had surgery on serious spinal damage and is still in hospital.

“It is really sad what’s happening to Mose,” Chester - who coached Hull KR before joining Trinity in 2016 - said.

But he confirmed: “I am led to believe he has improved a lot over the last couple of weeks.”