Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: Cause adds to Mullally’s motivation

The prop joined Wakefield from Huddersfield Giants last week on a deal lasting until the end of the season, when he will begin a three-year contract with Leeds Rhinos.

He was part of an arrangement which saw Daniel Smith move the other way and has signed for Wildcats to gain regular game time.

Mullally was one of Wildcats’ substitutes in the 58-20 home loss to Castleford Tigers two days ago and he said: “With the ball I thought I went okay, but I blew up a bit in defence and my movement and some of the stuff I did wasn’t great.”

Mullally refused to blame lack of time on the field. He added: “I don’t want to be making excuses; it just wasn’t good enough.

“I have played a bit this year, games-wise, but I’ve not played big minutes. I did a straight 20-odd [on Sunday], but it was a bad day at the office.”

Wildcats visit Huddersfield on Sunday, before beginning their Qualifiers campaign two weeks later.

“The move gives me chance to hopefully get some more game time,” Mullally said. “I just want to build on it and hopefully get ready to go next year with Leeds.”

He could also play a part in Wildcats safeguarding their First Utility Super League status.

“Wakey have always been good at surviving, that’s what they do,” the Irish international said. “Hopefully I can be part of the team that stays up. They are a good team with a good history and it would be nice to see them survive in Super League.”

Mullally said he is confident Wildcats are good enough to avoid relegation, despite finishing bottom in the weekly rounds.

“The lads are good,” he said. “There’s no moping about or negativity. Everything’s positive so I don’t see why they can’t stay up.”

Wildcats played well in patches against Castleford and Mullally reckons more consistency in matches is the key to survival.

“It was 12-12 just before half-time,” he said. “We didn’t start great in the second half and there was a spell when we let in a few tries.

“That’s where we lost it. I thought in the first half it was anyone’s really, but we didn’t start well enough in the second half.”

The spell at Wakefield will give Mullally an opportunity to work with one of the sport’s most respected coaches, Brian Smith. He said: “No one has a bad word to say about him. He has already done a bit with me and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him.”