Wakefield injury boost as trio could feature in cup clash

Wakefield boss Willie Poching says Tom Johnstone is fit for their Challenge Cup quarter final, while David Fifita and Lee Gaskell could both be back.

Johnstone was in stunning form in last weekend’s win over Salford, with two tries and two assists before being taken off at half-time.

Gaskell and Fifita have been included in Poching’s 21-man squad for the tie with Wigan.

Poching confirmed: “Withdrawing Johnstone was precautionary and in hindsight I’m not sure about the message that sent to the group but he’s alright to go this week.

“Dave Fifita will be a late call but we are quite hopeful he will make it, we’ll see how he pulls up.

“Lee Gaskell has a credible chance of being involved. He made his comeback last week with the reserves and he was fantastic leading that group away at St Helens. He has found form straight away so he has a chance this weekend.”

MORE: Challenge Cup quarter-finals: Squad news, kick-off times & coverage

Chasing cup success

Wakefield go into this weekend in a rich vein of Super League form that Poching hopes will translates to a big performance against the much-fancied Warriors.

“We are pretty excited like every other team. Excited for what lies ahead, for the opportunities and to be on the big stage. We have to put our hands on an opportunity that we have worked hard to get.”

Wakefield are the only Super League club, with the exception of Toulouse, that hasn’t reached a Challenge Cup final since 2009.

They last reached the final in 1979, with the last of their five Challenge Cup wins coming in 1963.

Wakefield 21-man squad v Wigan: Jowitt, Johnstone, Lyne, Miller, Lino, Battye, Hood, Arona, Ashurst, Tanginoa, Pitts, Crowther, Whitbread, Batchelor, Gaskell, Kay, Adebiyi, Bowes, Murphy, Hall, Fifita.

Wigan 21-man squad: French, Bibby, Hardaker, Thornley, Cust, Leuluai, Singleton, Powell, Mago, Isa, Farrell, Bateman, Smithies, Smith, Partington, Havard, Byrne, Shorrocks, Field, Halsall, O’Neill.

Download the latest episode of the Love Rugby League podcast now