Lockdown works for Wakefield Trinity as more cases of Covid-19 hit Super League

Wakefield Trinity’s neighbours Castleford Tigers have seen three players test positive for Covid-19, leaving them with just 14 fit players to face Leeds Rhinos tonight.
Wakefield Trinity have been able to pick a strong squad for their meeting with St Helens. Picture: Getty.Wakefield Trinity have been able to pick a strong squad for their meeting with St Helens. Picture: Getty.
Wakefield Trinity have been able to pick a strong squad for their meeting with St Helens. Picture: Getty.

A total of nine players have been stood down for the fixture, following the implementation of track and trace protocols.

It means Castleford are left three players short of a 17-man squad for the fixture against Leeds, with all nine players self-isolating for a minimum of 10 days.

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A further three players will be reviewed on Thursday morning to determine if the Tigers can fulfill tomorrow evening’s meeting with the Rhinos.

Wakefield know the strain that positive Covid-19 tests can put on a squad, with numerous players stood down in recent weeks for having the virus or being identified as a close contact of someone who had tested positive.

A self-imposed five-day lockdown last week and a deep clean of their training facilities had helped result in a rare clean bill of health heading into last weekend’s Super League game with Catalans Dragons.

Head coach Chris Chester said last week: “Our lockdown worked and we are starting to get some players back; by next week we should have the majority of the squad to pick from, which is a real positive for us.”

David Fifita returns to the Wakefield side this weekend as they face St Helens, who welcome Tommy Makinson back from a ban.