New Wakefield Trinity assistants Andy Last and Willie Poching are a 'breath of fresh air', says Chris Chester

THE ARRIVAL of Andy Last and Willie Poching as assistant coaches at Belle Vue has been a “breath of fresh air” for Wakefield Trinity.
POSITIVE IMPACT: Andy Last, left, and Willie Poching, right, have been a breath of fresh air for Wakefield Trinity says head coach Chris Chester. Pictures: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comPOSITIVE IMPACT: Andy Last, left, and Willie Poching, right, have been a breath of fresh air for Wakefield Trinity says head coach Chris Chester. Pictures: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
POSITIVE IMPACT: Andy Last, left, and Willie Poching, right, have been a breath of fresh air for Wakefield Trinity says head coach Chris Chester. Pictures: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

That is the view of head coach Chris Chester who says there is a greater togetherness amongst his squad this year.

Wakefield return to action with a friendly against West Yorkshire neighbours Dewsbury Rams on Sunday, March 14.

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Poching and Last have plenty of experience as coaches and Chester admits their arrival has made his job as head coach easier.

Wakefield have endured a difficult couple of seasons, battling to avoid relegation in 2019 before finishing 10th last year but Chester says there is a “different feel” around the club as Trinity target improvement in 2021.

“I worked with Willie at Hull KR and I played with Lasty and he coached me when I was a player at Hull FC,” said Chester.

“They have been a breath of fresh air.

“We just sit and talk rugby all day, from 7am to 5pm. The days seem to fly by. I am really enjoying working with these guys and there is a real togetherness within the staff and the playing group.

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“Andy is very structured and has got a smart rugby brain on him and Willie is exactly the same.

“They have both got a great work ethic and working with two experienced guys like them has made my job a lot easier.”

Chester says the current pre-season has been one his most enjoyable since joining Wakefield.

Trinity kick off their Super League campaign against rivals Leeds Rhinos on March 27.

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It is a tough start for Trinity as games against Wigan Warriors, St Helens and Hull FC follow in April.

“There is a real togetherness and a real buy in from everybody to make sure that 2021 is a much better season to what 2020 was,” he added.

“It is so far, so good. I am really pleased with the application of the players and contributions from all the staff.

“It is probably one of the most enjoyable pre-seasons I have had so far at Wakefield.

“I know the players are really positive as well and are really buying into what we want to do this year.”

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