Joe Westerman talks up Wakefield Trinity's top-half credentials

Trinity secured back-to-back fifth-placed finishes in 2017 and 2018 but found themselves at the wrong end of the table in the seasons that followed.

Wakefield suffered a disappointing return to action last campaign, losing 10 games in a row upon the top-flight’s restart before finishing the season in 10th.

Westerman is confident that with fewer injuries and without the disruption caused by Covid-19, Trinity will be at the right end of the table this year.

“I do think we’ll do well this season,” said Westerman, as Wakefield look to put two disappointing finishes behind.

“Pre-season has started really well. If we can avoid injuries, we’ve got enough quality on the field to be challenging that top five, top six.

“From my point of view - and the team’s - I’d like to think we’ll have a much better season than last year.

“I feel you can almost write last season off; you had all the Covid issues, players who were off for four weeks and back for three and there was just no routine to any of it.

“You can’t read too much into last year. But if we hit the ground running this time and hopefully we’re in a position where we can play with no - or fewer - worries about Covid, I’m pretty confident we’ll be looking towards that top end.”

Westerman feels the arrival of two new assistant coaches is also reason for optimism, as he continued: “Andy Last has come in and brought his knowledge and with Willie Poching coming in, too, with Chezzy it’s like a new coaching staff.”

Super League sides were the only clubs able to continue after the national lockdown in March but did see their fixture list dramatically reduced.

Westerman is feeling fresh as Wakefield continue their pre-season preparations, with the top-flight campaign due to kick off on March 25.

The season was set to begin two weeks earlier on March 11 but due to the public health situation surrounding Covid-19, the decision was made to push back the campaign’s start date.

“I’m feeling pretty good at the minute which is always a good sign in pre-season,” added Westerman.

“After last year and only playing 17 games, I am looking forward to getting back out and cracking on.

“It was very strange last season. I felt like I could have carried on for another 20 games. I did feel good.

“I was really enjoying it as well and felt like I was back to my old days. I played a bit of back-row and got a bit giddy at times.

“I’m looking forward to getting back and picking up from where I left off.”