Wakefield Trinity: Influential ‘big bopper’ David Fifita helps bring ‘energy’ back to Belle Vue
David Fifita in action for Wakefield Trinity
The ‘Big Bopper’ David Fifita has helped bring ‘energy’ back to Wakefield Trinity as he looks to help his beloved club survive relegation from Super League.
That’s the view of his Hull counterpart Scott Taylor, who has praised the positive influence Fifita and his ex-team-mate Luke Gale have made since arriving at Belle Vue.
Fan favourite Fifita left Trinity at the end of last season to return home to Australia after spending seven seasons with the Super League club.
But the former Tonga international returned to his second home in May after Trinity found themselves struggling at the bottom of the Super League table.
Fifita answered Wakefield’s SOS call and returned to Belle Vue on a deal until the end of the season as they aim to avoid relegation from the top flight.
Since his return, Trinity have won two games from four and are just four points behind rivals Castleford, who sit just above them in the ladder.
“It’s the big bopper,” Hull prop Taylor said on this week’s Super League Show when asked about Wakefield’s encouraging performances as of late.
“He came back a few weeks ago and he seems to have brought a bit of energy, David Fifita and the bounce he’s brought.”
Team song. Volume up. You know the drill. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qB750RTCu6
— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) June 30, 2023
Wakefield Trinity ‘calming influence’ Luke Gale praised
Trinity also recently signed former Man of Steel Luke Gale from Championship side Keighley Cougars on a deal until the end of next season.
The 35-year-old former England international made his debut for Wakefield last week, helping Mark Applegarth’s side beat Salford 32-6 at Belle Vue.
Taylor praised his former Hull team-mate Gale, who he says will be a calming influence on Trinity.
He added: “Obviously now you’ve got a fit Luke Gale mixed into that with his experience and everything he’s done, his expertise, his seniority.
“He’ll just go in there and he’s that calming influence.
“There’s still a long way to go this year and he’s come in and obviously making a big change to their fortunes.
“Luke is so experienced. He’s been in different situations.
“I was with him last year here and he’s just what they (Wakefield) need. just to take the pressure off some of the young guys, make sure that he takes all the responsibility and he gets them around the field.
“It’s just in the meetings, in the video room, in training, that positive effect and also having that clear direction.”