Wakefield Trinity coach itching for return to training

Trinity have been grounded since a narrow Coral Challenge Cup win over Bradford Bulls on March 13, three days before all rugby league in this country was suspended.

The ban on public gatherings has made training in groups impossible and players and staff on furlough have had to keep fit on their own at home.

The government has now begun easing lockdown restrictions and schools and non-essential shops are expected to reopen next month, which could mean organised training in some form being given the green light.

Plans for the competition to resume on August 16 are due to be discussed at a Super League meeting on Thursday and the Trinity boss is anxious to know exactly what the next step will be - and when.

“I think everybody is ready to get back, but there doesn’t seem to be any news coming out about when we can start back in,” Chester said.

“We don’t know what the season is going to look like and it is the not knowing that’s difficult.”

The 2020 Grand Final could be played in November, December or even January next year under options drawn up by a Super League fixtures panel.

Matches would initially be played behind closed doors, with fans being admitted to stadiums from October 1, though all that is dependent on the public health situation and government guidelines.

Chester said: “Everybody just wants to get back and playing, if it means we have got to go to January to finish the season so be it.

“It is frustrating, the not knowing. If the season is going to start on August 16, when can we start some light training and bring the boys back in?

“How does it affect the furlough money?

“There’s a lot of things to think about because clubs have lost - or are going to lose - a lot of money over these last three months.”

The enforced break has given players extra time to recover from pre- or early-season injuries and Chester confirmed his squad have been keeping in contact with him and each other.

“We are in WhatsApp groups and individually we all check up,” he said.

“They are all doing the little bits they can do from home, but it is tough because there’s nobody at the side of them to push them through it.”

Chester said the coaching staff get a report from each individual player every Sunday, on what they have done during the week and how far they have run.

But he conceded: “I think the players are getting fed up now. It is testing everybody’s head space at the minute, not really being able to do anything, to get out and see families - and not being able to go to work.

“That’s the big thing I am missing, I am missing the players and the staff and that camaraderie between everybody that makes the job a lot easier.”

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