Wakefield Trinity 2022 preview: Full season in charge for Willie Poching

James Gordon
Willie Poching Wakefield Trinity

Willie Poching takes charge of his first pre-season as Wakefield Trinity head coach for the 2022 campaign.

Wakefield have made six signings for their new campaign, including Warrington winger Tom Lineham.

Despite interest from Wigan, the side have managed to keep their key man in half-back Jacob Miller.

Scotland international Liam Hood joins the club, alongside Lee Gaskell from Huddersfield. Sadiq Adebiyi, Jai Whitbread and Corey Hall all also make the move to Belle Vue.

What they said

Poching had a lot of praise for winger Tom Johnstone, anticipating a big year for the England international.

“We’re hoping so (for a big year for Tom Johnstone). He’s had a change of mindset let’s say to how he’s approached his career and training.

“He’s seen the benefits of that through pre-season and I’m sure as a game and as a team we’ll see the benefits of that.

“He’s raring to go. We’ve got to keep him on the field, that’s the big one. He’s understood that, that we need him to be out there every week. He’s copped a few knocks head-wise in the past and he’s trying to work on strengthening himself to avoid some fo that and I’m sure we’ll be able to get him out there more often than not.”

Wakefield Trinity 2022 preview: Key info

Coach: Willie Poching (since September 2021).

Captain: Jacob Miller.

Ins: Lee Gaskell (Huddersfield), Tom Lineham (Warrington), Jai Whitbread, Liam Hood (both Leigh), Sadiq Adebiyi (London Broncos), Corey Hall (Leeds), Thomas Minns (Newcastle Thunder), John Davetanivalu (unattached).

Out: Joe Westerman (Castleford), Kyle Wood, Joe Arundel (both Halifax), Josh Wood (Barrow), Chris Green (Leigh), Ryan Hampshire, Alex Walker (both released).

Wakefield Trinity 2022 preview: squad in full

1. Max Jowitt, 2. Tom Johnstone, 3. Bill Tupou, 4. Reece Lyne, 5. Tom Lineham, 6. Jacob Miller, 7. Mason Lino, 8. Eddie Battye, 9. Liam Hood, 10. Tinirau Arona, 11. Matty Ashurst, 12. Kelepi Tanginoa, 13. Jay Pitts, 14. Jordy Crowther, 15. Jai Whitbread, 16. James Batchelor, 17. Lee Gaskell, 18. Lee Kershaw, 19. Liam Kay, 20. Jack Croft, 21. Brad Walker, 22. Yusuf Aydin, 23. Sid Adebiyi, 24. Harry Bowes, 25. Sam Eseh, 26. Pat O’Donovan, 27. Lewis Murphy, 28. Dane Windrow, 29. Isaac Shaw, 30. Corey Hall, 35. David Fifita, John Davetanivalu, Thomas Minns.

Wakefield odds: Grand Final winner 80/1 (10th), Regular season winner 100/1 (10th equal)

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