Chester praises academy products

Correspondent

Wakefield coach Chris Chester says the emergence of local talent like Tom Johnstone and Max Jowitt is proof that the club’s academy is on the right track.

Winger Johnstone scores three tries against Salford while fullback Jowitt won the man of the match award.

Chester hailed both players after the Salford win.

“He’s deceptively very strong when he carries the ball,” he said.

“He can finish a try as well. I’ve just got to make sure I keep young Tom grounded, he’s an exceptional talent and he’s a pleasure to work with.

“He won us the game last week against Leeds and he’s won us the game again with his try-scoring today. It just proves the academy is working here.

“There’s a lot of good kids at the academy here.”

Chester confirmed the club was still on the lookout for player signings, but they are unlikely to be from Australia.

“If there’s some quality out there,” he said.

“With the overseas, it’s a long process, it’s a six to seven week job to apply for the visa and bring them into the country.

“The rules have really tightened up as of April the 1st so it’s making it a little bit difficult, but it just shows today that there’s a lot of good Wakefield talent out on that field.

“There’s a lot of talent that wants to work hard for each other.”