Jeffries set for second Wakefield bow
Ben Jeffries is all set to make his second ‘debut’ for Wakefield when they face Super League champions Leeds Rhinos on Boxing Day.
The 29-year-old Australian halfback returned to the Hearwell Stadium after being released by Bradford Bulls at the end of the 2009 season.
Now he is one of the Wildcat players who is all set to defend the Cravendale Challenge Trophy they’ve held for the last two years when they face arch rivals Leeds Rhinos in this year’s Challenge at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Boxing Day (Kick off 11.30am)
Jeffries had previously enjoyed five seasons as a Trinity star and he cheerfully admits that coming back to the Wildcats was something that suited him.
“This was my first preference,” he said. “I had other offers but when Wakefield came in for me it just felt right.
“Loads of the blokes I’d played with before I went to the Bulls were still here and to be fair they’re my best mates.
“And I suppose it made it easier for me because when I came back to Wakefield from Bradford I made the trip at the same time as the Wildcats signed Terry Newton and Glen Morrison.
“I’ve been playing with those two guys for a while and I reckon the Wildcats have done well to pick them up.”
Now he’s set to pull on Trinity’s famous Red, White and Blue colours for the first time in his second stint at the club when they go head-to-head with the Rhinos.
“I’m really looking forward to the game,” said Ben. “My first debut for the club was against Featherstone and, although this match is bound to be different, it’s still another derby game for the Wildcats.
“It’s going to be interesting playing against the Rhinos as it’ll be their first game since playing at Old Trafford.
“From what we’ve heard the Rhinos are thinking about putting out a decent team and I think that John Kear wants to field a strong side too.
“It’s going to be an important part of the Wildcat pre-season planning because eleven of the 2009 squad have moved on from Wakefield and we’ve recruited seven new blokes.
“We’ll need the game time to find out how we all fit together as a team in time for the opening game of engage Super League XV at Harlequins on Saturday, January 30.
“One thing I’ve noticed since I got back to Wakefield is the large number of good young players around the place.
“That’s great news for the Wildcats and their fans. I‘ve been really impressed by the young blokes and if they get a chance to show their paces against the Rhinos it’ll be a fantastic experience for them too.
“If they do get a run out against the Rhinos it’ll make them more valuable as a squad player, especially if we have injury problems through the season.
“So now I just can’t wait for Boxing Day. To have Wakefield playing Leeds on Boxing Day is a great tradition and I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic occasion for both sets of fans”.