Wakefield Trinity coach Chris Chester admits he is 'not sure' over his future at the club - also provides update on Tom Johnstone's injury and bid to sign Andrew Fifita

Chester who has been in the role since March, 2016, is out of contract at the end of this year.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s derby at Leeds Rhinos, the former Hull KR team boss insisted he is keen to stay on, but is relaxed about the situation.

“I think we have 13 guys off contract and it’s a fantastic opportunity to rebuild the club,” Chester said of plans for 2022.

“Whether that involves me in it, we’re not too sure, but in terms of the players they are all playing for their contracts as are all the staff.”

Chester added: “There’s obviously myself and a number of members of staff off contract.

“I’m comfortable with that and I know the club are, but we probably need to make some decisions sooner rather than later as we don’t want to be missing out on certain individuals and certain targets.”

Injury-hit Trinity are on an eight-match losing run which stretches back to last October

Asked if he wants to remain at the club, Chester stressed: “Of course I do, I love it here. I’m Wakefield born and bred.”

But he admitted: “What I will say is the challenges I’ve faced over the past couple of years have really made me think deep and hard about a lot of things.

“The personal attacks and things like that makes you think whether coaching - or being a head coach - is actually worth it.

“But I can’t speak highly enough of the people who work here and the support I’ve had from everybody at board level, Michael [Carter, chief executive], John [Minards, chairman] and all the way through to people like Lasty [Andy Last] and Willie [Poching, Trinity’s assistant coaches].

“There’s a really good group of people here who want the best for Wakefield Trinity.

“If that involves me moving forward then happy days. If it doesn’t, I’ve not even thought about it.”

Chester pledged not to let uncertainty over his future become a distraction as Trinity battle to pull away from the relegation zone.

“I’ve had five really good years here at the club,” he reflected.

“I had three years at Hull KR, signed a two year deal here and then renegotiated for three years.

“That three years is coming to an end and whichever way that the club goes, that’s just sport.

“Recruitment-wise it could become very difficult, but I’m quite relaxed about it.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here and continue to enjoy my time here.

“We’re confident ahead of [tonight] and confident we can go there and get the win.”

Despite Trinity’s losing run, Chester said he does not feel under pressure

He vowed: “I’m more relaxed now than probably I’ve ever been.

“I’ve seen a group of players that are busting an absolute gut, we’re squeezing every ounce out of these guys - genuinely getting everything out of them.

“As soon as we get those best players out on the field we know the results will turn.

“Let’s just see what the next couple of months bring.”

Meanwhile, Chester said star winger Tom Johnstone has been stood down for another month because of persistent concussion symptoms and will see a specialist on Monday.

The Trinity boss also described moves to sign Cronulla Sharks prop Andrew Fifita - brother of Wakefield’s David Fifita - as “dead in the water”.