'I want to make a name for myself' - Wakefield Trinity recruit Mason Lino ready to take Super League by storm

Trinity lacked a settled half-back combination in 2020, when they finished 10th in Betfred Super League, but coach Chris Chester believes Lino - playing alongside captain Jacob Miller - can transform their fortunes.

“Hopefully I can direct our team around the park,” Lino said of what he wants to bring to Trinity when Betfred Super League kicks off in March.

“I feel I can control our game pretty good, not just with my voice, but my kicking game.”

Lino, 26, played for New Zealand Warriors from 2015-18 and then had two seasons at Newcastle Knights before signing for Trinity.

He arrived in England earlier this month and - though still acclimatising - already feels at home.

“It has been good, he said.

“Footy-wise, everyone has been real welcoming here at the club, but I am probably still getting used to the weather.

“I think the snow was pretty fun, my little one enjoyed playing in the snow, but I probably wouldn’t recommend driving in it.

“I have really enjoyed my time so far and I can’t wait for the season. I’ve watched a few Super League games and it does look pretty quick over here.

“It is a fast-flowing game and I think I will get a feel for it once I start playing.”

Super League has a reputation for being more attack-minded than the NRL.

“As a half you want to be good at attacking,” Lino added.

“I think for me, it is about building good combinations with my edge and my other sparring partners. I think that will go a long way towards us being a good football team.”

Lino did his homework before putting pen to paper.

He said: “I knew a few players who had already been here and some boys who are here currently, who I played against growing up.

"I have heard some good things, the town really gets behind their footy team when they get going and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Current Trinity players Bill Tupou and David Fifita were among those Lino chatted with, but he revealed: “I think my biggest counsel would have been Blake Green [a former Hull KR and Wigan pivot who played for Newcastle last year].

“He didn’t play for Wakefield, but he played in Super League and he thought I could come here and make a name for myself.

"It has always been my goal to have a team to direct around and play with some good football players.

"Speaking to Chezzy [Chester] before I signed, he thought I would do really well if I came over and played my style of football.”

Lino has been capped three times by Samoa and a good year with Trinity could secure him a place in their squad for this autumn’s World Cup.

“It would be cool,” he said.

“If an opportunity presents itself I’ll put my hand up, but first and foremost I want to start playing some football, hopefully make a name for myself and see what happens from there.”

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