Fifita returns home after groin surgery brings prop's season to a close

David Fifita in action for Wakefield against St Helens. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

The hulking prop will return to Australia tomorrow morning and won’t feature in Wakefield’s remaining Super 8s fixtures.

The 29-year-old played 20 times for Trinity this campaign, scoring three tries. His last performance came in the loss to St Helens two weeks ago.

“David Fifita is done for the season, he has had a groin repair,” said Chester.

Ryan Hampshire has been offered a new deal by Wakefield. Picture: Tony Johnson.

“We have granted him some extra time home with the family, it has been a tough year for Dave so we decided to get his surgery done now.

“He will be departing for Australia on Saturday (tomorrow) morning to spend some time with the family back home, we just think it is the right thing to do - he has bust a gut this year.”

Chris Chester admits that Wakefield have had a “disruptive” week ahead of their clash with Huddersfield Giants this evening. A sickness bug has swept through Chester’s team, disrupting Trinity’s preparations.

Chester says that the majority of players affected by the bug have recovered and will be ready for battle when they face the Giants tonight.

“We have had a sickness bug that has gone through a lot of the squad, including myself,” added Chester.

“It has been a bit of a stop-start and disruptive week but we have got through the worst of that.”

Anthony England is unlikely to play a part in tonight’s match as he struggles with a gluteal strain.

With Wakefield all but out of the top-four equation, Chester insists there is still plenty up for grabs, especially for those players who are still playing for their place at the club.

He said: “There is still everything to play for.

“You are playing for some pride and for the badge and there are guys who are coming off contract that have everything to play for.

“We want to finish fifth.”

The Trinity chief also confirmed that the club’s transfer business is moving smoothly.

Chester has been happy with the retention process thus far and is hopeful that Ryan Hampshire will sign a new deal within the coming week.

He added: “We are pretty far down the line with our recruitment and retention.

“We have got most of the squad signed up again for next year, we are still waiting for a decision from Rocky (Hampshire). A contract offer has been sent to him and his agent.

“We are hopeful he will sign, Rocky knows that I want him here. It is just a matter of finding the right numbers for both parties.”