Wakefield Trinity recruitment 'on-going' - but coach vows not to be rushed

More signings are possible for Wakefield Trinity, but coach Chris Chester insists there is no hurry.
Mason Lino lines up a kick for New Zeraland Warriors in 2018. Picture by David Neilson  www.photosport.nz.Mason Lino lines up a kick for New Zeraland Warriors in 2018. Picture by David Neilson  www.photosport.nz.
Mason Lino lines up a kick for New Zeraland Warriors in 2018. Picture by David Neilson www.photosport.nz.

Trinity have brought in only one new face, Samoan half-back Mason Lino from Newcastle Knights, since the end of last season.

Lino began pre-season training on Monday and - having solved his biggest problem - Chester is happy with the way his squad looks, with more than two months to go until Betfred Super League begins on March 25.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In terms of recruitment, it is on-going at the minute,” Chester said. “We are keeping our powder dry. We are using the patient approach to it all, we are not in any rush.

“Our first target was a half-back. We knew where we needed to be stronger, we needed some organisation and with Mason, we have certainly got that.

“He has got a good kicking game as well and looks really sharp. The way he plays reminds me a little bit of [Wigan Warriors’] Tommy Leuluai, how good he is at squaring up at the line.”

Trinity had to mix and match in the pivots last year and, with Danny Brough having left the club to join Bradford Bulls, captain Jacob Miller was the only specialist half-back on the books.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chester stressed: “I don’t want to put too much pressure on Mason, but I know having a quality half like him will certainly ease the burden on Jacob Miller who had the weight on his shoulders last year.

“The primary target was a half and we are in discussions with a number of agents over here and a couple of guys overseas, but we might have to sit and wait and see what happens at the start of the NRL season.

“They are starting earlier than we are and you generally find that if they are not involved in weeks one, two or three in the NRL, there’s a little bit of unrest there and you get agents calling you up left, right and centre.

“We are just going to sit back and be patient and see what or if anything drops out of the NRL or anything drops out here.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Of where he may look to strengthen, Chester said: “Ideally I would like a couple of middles, but we’ll just see what pops up and take it from there.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.