Wakefield Trinity boss hails new signing Jay Pitts' leadership skills

Pitts was Trinity’s official man of the match in their 18-8 win over Warrington Wolves three days ago.

The 30-year-old forward began his professional career with Wakefield in 2008 and joined Leeds Rhinos two years later.

He had spells at Hull and London Broncos, where he was captain, before returning to Trinity in the off-season.

Jacob Miller is Wakefield’s captain, but coach Chris Chester hailed Pitts for his influence since coming into the side.

“I thought he was excellent,” Chester said of the second-rower’s performance against Warrington.

“I thought Matty Ashurst and Milky [Miller] were fantastic on the other edge and I thought Jay was a real stand-out player for us.

“He played 80 minutes again and he is a real good leader.”

The win over Coral Challenge Cup holders Warrington came 16 days after a 30-12 loss away to Hull KR in Betfred Super League round one.

Chester credited Pitts with helping his teammates get their chins off the flood following that setback.

He said: “He has been really good since that Hull KR game.

“He has led the team well, along with the other senior guys and obviously Milky, the captain, as well.”

Chester will today name his initial 21-man squad for Friday’s derby at Castleford Tigers.

Forwards Jordan Crowther and George King were both available for last weekend’s game - after injuries suffered against Leeds Rhinos on Boxing Day - but Chester decided not to take the risk.

Other players, including Danny Brough, Dave Fifita, Chris Green and Alex Walker, are nearing fitness and Chester said: “Hopefully we can get another couple of bodies back this week, but we won’t rush them if they are not 100 per cent ready.

“It is nice to have these kind of headaches now we’ve got the bodies back, but I think the guys who played [on Sunday] were exceptional and it has made it a very difficult decision should players be back this week.

“It has given me some food for thought.”