Wakefield Trinity review - 5 positives from 2020

Having had little to smile about during 2020, Wakefield Trinity will be looking forward to a happier new year.
By Peter Smith
Published 30th Dec 2020, 15:23 BST
Kelepi Tanginoa, in possession, had an outstanding year for Trinity. Picture by James Hardisty.Kelepi Tanginoa, in possession, had an outstanding year for Trinity. Picture by James Hardisty.
Kelepi Tanginoa, in possession, had an outstanding year for Trinity. Picture by James Hardisty.

They finished second-bottom in Betfred Super League after being hit by injuries and illness, but amid that disappointment there were some encouraging signs for coach Chris Chester. Here are five positives from a difficult year.

5: Grounds for optimism. In November the club revealed it had submitted a planning application to redevelop Mobile Rocket Stadium, Belle Vue. Proposals include a new 2,500-seat East Stand and are, according to Trinity, the “most significant within the stadium for 75 years”.

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4: Tom Johnstone. The winger didn’t get through the year entirely injury-free, but there was no recurrence of his recent knee problems. Once again, he proved he is the best finisher in Super League; his try in the Headingley lodd to Wigan Warriors was miraculous.

3: Young players. Wakefield have an impressive crop emerging from their academy system. The likes of Harry Bowes, Jack Croft, Connor Bailey (who will spend next season on loan at Newcastle Thunder), Titus Gwaze and Yusuf Aydin have had a taste of first team action and will be better for it.

2: Mason Lino signing. Trinity struggled for a settled half-back combination this year, but have high hopes for Lino, a 26-year-old Samoan international who has played in the NRL for New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights. If he can bring some stability and a new spark to the role, alongside captain Jacob Miller, Wakefield’s prospects for next season will be brighter.

1: Kelepi Tanginoa’s new contract. The 26-year-old Australian forward is ever-present for Trinity since joining them in May, 2019 and was - by some distance - their best player this year. Other clubs were taking note of the Dream Team second-rower, but he put an end to the speculation last month by signing a new contract until the end of 2024. He is the player Chester wants to build his side around.

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Related topics:Wakefield TrinityChris ChesterSuper LeagueProposalsJacob MillerBelle Vue