Chester: I can’t fault their efforts
Even though Wakefield started the new season with a defeat, Trinity head coach Chris Chester praised the effort his team showed in testing conditions.
The hosts were ahead up until the 71st minute before a debut try from Jake Connor helped the Airlie Birds snatch a narrow 12-8 victory.
“I think completion rates were up around that 75-76% and in them atrocious conditions I think both teams need a round of applause,” he said.
“There wasn’t much between the two sides.”
Chester admitted it was good to see plenty of grit and determination, something which he suggested was non-existent 12 months ago.
“We learnt a lot about the players,” he said.
“This time last year it would’ve probably been a 20 or 30 pointer.
“They had that grind mentality today and unfortunately we just came up a little bit short.”
Anthony England and Matty Ashurst were forced off through injury but Chester felt that Tinirau Arona in particular was a solid replacement.
“Engy’s has been very good in pre-season and we found it tough without him on the field.
“Tinirau Arona played for around 55 minutes and made a massive contribution.”