Wakefield Trinity expect to have semi-final squad available again for Grand Final and emotional farewell for six stars
Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell expects to have all 17 of his semi-final heroes available for the Grand Final at Old Trafford – including Jazz Tevaga who has avoided a ban.
After losing Emre Guler to a suspension which was increased from two games to three after an appeal last week Trinity could hardly afford to lose another of their forwards for the big game with Warrington Wolves.
But Tevaga, who was sin-binned at Wigan for a trip, has not been banned despite being charged by the RFL disciplinary panel. He has been given three penalty points and fined for a Grade B trip and will be free to play in the final.
Interestingly no Wigan players were put on charges, including Adam Keighran who was sin-binned in the game for a dangerous tackle on Isaiah Vagana, and Harry Smith, who got away with striking out at Wakefield skipper Mike McMeeken in an incident similar to the one that landed Guler in trouble.
Warrington’s key player George Williams has also avoided a ban despite being charged following their semi-final with Leeds Rhinos as his late contact on passer offence was only deemed a Grade A level.
Trinity will still have four first teamers missing through injury as they did at Wigan, but the way the players stepped up so impressively it will be a major surprise if there are any changes to the squad for the final.
The game will mark an emotional and incredible finish to their Wakefield careers for a number of the players.
Jay Pitts is retiring and another long serving player, Max Jowitt, is heading for York and for both who have been through thick and thin with Trinity it is an amazing end to their time at the club that they could hardly dare dream about.
Outstanding hooker Tyson Smoothy is returning to Australia, while winger Lachlan Walmsley is also leaving. Centre Cam Scott is joining Bradford and half-back Mason Lino is going to Castleford.