Wigan Warriors v Wakefield Trinity - we need to be more clinical admits Chris Chester

Trinity are on the back of a 28-22 loss to Leeds Rhinos in Betfred Super League round one last Saturday and coach Chris Chester reckons, with a sharper edge to their finishing, they can get off the mark against last year’s table-toppers.

The short turnaround is not ideal, but Chester insisted: “I think it’s a great game for us to back up in.”

He said: “Wigan will offer a different challenge in terms of physicality and we have got a good feel of where we are as a group.

“I think for us as a team, we have just got to execute and be more clinical.

“We had three or four chances last week when we came up with the wrong option and just needed to be a bit better with the final product.

“We certainly created plenty, that’s the pleasing thing for us as a group.

“We need to keep creating and just be a bit better with the final pass.”

Wigan trailed promoted Leigh Centurions 18-0 in their opening game, on Friday, before a match-winning burst of 20 unanswered points.

Playmaker Jackson Hastings could return for them, but new signing Jai Field suffered a long-term injury last week and star full-back Bevan French is still unavailable.

Chester has spotted areas he believes Trinity can attack, but admitted: “They will be saying exactly the saying the same about us.

“Certainly defensively, there is plenty to fix up - 22 points should be enough to win a ball game and we didn’t.

“But we will go after Wigan, we’ll be looking to exploit certain people and certain areas.

“There’s plenty for us to be positive about and we’re looking forward to it.

“It’s nice we are getting some continuity, we’ve not really picked up any injuries and the guys have been really receptive to what we’ve had to say.

“The message is more of the same and let’s have a bit more belief and make sure we are clinical when we chances do arise.”

Jay Pitts (elbow) and Ryan Hampshire - following knee surgery - have been named in Trinity’s squad after missing last week’s game.

Joe Arundel, Liam Kay and Brad Walker are also in contention, with Alex Walker dropping out.

Max Jowitt (ankle ligaments) and Eddie Battye (calf muscle) remain on the casualty list, but are expected to be available for the Betfred Challenge Cup tie against Catalans Dragons on April 10 and Kyle Wood (calf) could also be in contention then or the following week.

Wigan Warriors: from Hardaker, Leuluai, Singleton, Powell, Bullock, Isa, Farrell, Bateman, Partington, Smithies, Clubb, Byrne, Smith, Havard, Bibby, Clark, Shorrocks, Halsall, McDonnell, Hanley, Hastings.

Wakefield Trinity: from Johnstone, Tupou, Lyne, Kay, Miller, Lino, Fifita, Arona, Ashurst, Tanginoa, Westerman, Pitts, Batchelor, Green, Senior, Crowther, Arundel, Tangata, J Wood, B Walker, Hampshire.

Referee: Scott Mikalauskas (Leigh).

Kick-off: Thursday, 6pm, at TW Stadium, St Helens.

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