Smith convinced he can keep Wakefield in Super League

New Wakefield coach Brian Smith is sure that he can keep Trinity in Super League this season, despite their horrendous run of form.

The Wildcats travel to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons on Saturday rooted to the foot of Super League, and nine points adrift of the nearest side to them.

But Smith is ready for the battle ahead, and is convinced that Super League survival is achievable for his squad.

“I am yes,” he said.

“It is daunting. If I was starting with a pre-season I would know where I was at.

“Most of it comes down to how quickly the guys can adapt to the things I am asking of them and that we are asking of them.

“Their response to everything we have asked of them so far has been pretty damn good.”

Catalans are without several key men for Saturday’s game, including the talismanic Todd Carney, was well as Willie Tonga and Michael Oldfield.

New signing Krisnan Inu is set for his debut, though, and Jeff Lima is also back from suspension.

The atmosphere in the Stade Gilbert Brutus will also be enhanced by a festival of Catalan culture which the club are staging around the game.

Events include acrobats and folk musicians, and the crowd is sure to be in good voice by kick-off.

Smith is looking forward to being part of the unique rugby league atmosphere in Perpignan, however.

“For us it is about getting our stuff together and being mentally prepared for a tough afternoon and hopefully making it tough for them too,” he added.

“They are big – some of their French players are particularly big – and they are fast and because of the likely weather conditions they play a pretty entertaining brand of footy.

“There are a lot of questions to be answered when you go there. The movement of the ball, the physical traits of their component parts as well as the crowd and the intimidation.

“It is a big ask. You have to batten down the hatches and be strong.”