Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: Chester confident of '˜a response' from Wildcats

The Wildcats face Huddersfield Giants in Thursday’s last-eight meeting as they continue in their bid to reach Wembley for the first time since 1979.

Their heavy loss against the bottom-placed champions was a setback and Chester conceded: “I’d like to think they didn’t have the cup match on their minds but I did ask that question at end.

“We were very poor defensively, had very little field position and were out-played by Leeds.

“There’s some players there who have probably played themselves out of a spot for Thursday.

“We missed Danny Kirmond and Nick Scruton – there’s two leaders there – and we looked lost at times.”

He added: “I’ve told them there’s no point feeling sorry for themselves.

“We’ve a shortish turnaround – six days – to prepare for what is the biggest game this club has had since 2008. It’s a game we’re looking forward to.

“We do need to be a lot better than Friday but I’m expecting a response from the boys.

“I’m confident we’ll get one.”

Wakefield captain Kirmond is recovering after being in hospital on a drip with an infection in his knee.

Scruton – the club’s vice-captain – missed the Leeds game with a groin problem.