Walshaw aims for first team berth

Young Wakefield centre Lucas Walshaw wants to challenge for a first team spot this season, after featuring in all five of the Wildcats’ pre-season friendlies.

Walshaw, 19, featured in the 18-14 defeat at Batley on Sunday, the club’s last hit out before Friday’s Super League opener against Widnes.

Although he is expected to be behind new signings Dean Collis and Vince Mellars in the pecking order at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium, Walshaw is keen to pounce on any opportunity to get in to Richard Agar’s starting 13.

He told the club’s official website: “I’ve lost a lot of weight and pre-season has been tough with us going over to France for the training camp.

“But I’ve improved a lot so hopefully I can get a shirt but I’ve just got to concentrate on improving really.

“Hopefully neither of them pick a knock up because we need them, but if they do I’ll need to be ready to step up to cover them.

“I’m learning a lot from them anyway so it’s good.”

Walshaw, who stands at 6 foot 5 inches tall, made his first Wakefield appearance against Leeds in the Boxing Day friendly last month.