The Stats Zone
April 7 2017, 00:30 · Tom

Wakefield Trinity vs Widnes Vikings Preview

Post Share

The Lowdown

WAKEFIELD TRINITY

  • Wakefield have won their last two matches and the 38-18 win in France against the Catalans last week was another major high in their bright start to the season.
  • They have now won 4 of their last 5 matches and a win here would see them win 3 matches in a row for the first time in almost 12 months so there is big motivation to achieve that.
  • Coach Chris Chester is delighted with the performances of his side at the moment and he has named an unchanged 19-man squad for the third match in succession.

Head Coach: Chris Chester

Squad: Mitch Allgood, Tinirau Arona, Joe Arundel, Matty Ashurst, James Batchelor, David Fifita, Liam Finn, Scott Grix, Dean Hadley, Craig Huby, Tom Johnstone, Ben Jones-Bishop, Danny Kirmond, Jacob Miller, Bill Tupou, Anthony Walker, Sam Williams, Kyle Wood

Unavailable: Reece Lyne (Knee), Anthony England (Foot), Mason Caton-Brown, Jordan Crowther, Chris Annakin, Mikey Sio

WIDNES VIKINGS

  • Widnes finally picked up their first win of the season last week against Leigh thanks in part to a hat-trick of tries from Danny Craven and some strong kicking by Tom Gilmore.
  • Stefan Marsh is ruled out due to concussion so 18-year-old Keanan Brand is called up and could make his debut but Denis Betts does have some positive team news finally.
  • Skipper Joe Mellor has been called into the squad for the first time this season and that is a huge boost to the side while prop Gil Dudson and winger Corey Thompson should both overcome injuries to feature.

Head Coach: Denis Betts

Squad: Tom Armstrong, Keanan Brand, Chris Bridge, Sam Brooks, Jay Chapelhow, Ted Chapelhow, Danny Craven, Gil Dudson, Alex Gerrard, Tom Gilmore, Rhys Hanbury, Chris Houston, Jordan Johnstone, Manase Manuokafoa, Joe Mellor, Tom Olbison, Charly Runciman, Corey Thompson, Matt Whitley

Unavailable: Stefan Marsh (Concussion), Hep Cahill (Knee), Eamon O'Carroll (Shoulder), Chris Dean (Torn biceps), Patrick Ah Van, Jack Buchanan, Lloyd White, Greg Burke, Aaron Heremaia, MacGraff Leuluai


Analysis - what to expect
Wakefield are in great form at the moment and after 4 wins from their last 5 matches, they will come into this game against struggling Widnes confident of picking up yet another win. Denis Betts' men will be buoyed by their first victory of the season last week as well as the return of some key men from injury like skipper Joe Mellor. This will be a hard fought game but Wakefield have the edge on form right now.