Wakefield Trinity import Mason Lino set for first appearance in pre-season clash with Dewsbury Rams

Mason Lino. Picture by David Neilson/www.photosport.nz.

The former New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights half-back joined Trinity two months ago on a three-year contract and is included in a strong squad for their only warm-up game ahead of the Betfred Super League round one derby with Leeds Rhinos in two weeks’ time.

Matty Ashurst, Kyle Wood and Eddie Battye are among the first-choice players who won’t be risked, but Chester said: “We are going as strong as we can to start the game and it’s a good opportunity to put into practice what they’ve done in the first 12 weeks of pre-season.”

Joe Arundel is set to play for the first time since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a defeat at Castleford Tigers 13 months ago.

Chester also plans to give several of Trinity’s youngsters a run-out, including centre Ollie Greensmith, back-rower Dane Windrow and forwards Sam Eseh and Patrick O’Donovan.

Eseh, a product of the East Leeds community club and O’Donovan, from Castleford outfit Lock Lane, both signed a first team contract in January.

Rams, who visit Whitehaven in Betfred Challenge Cup first round next weekend, will be without Bailey Liu after he suffered concussion in last Saturday’s pre-season win at Batley Bulldogs.

Boss Lee Greenwood said: “It’s another chance for some guys to impress.

"They are a full-time Super League team and we are in the Championship and part-time, there’s some real quality players in there so obviously it is going to be tough.

“It will be a step up from last week, but there’s no pressure and it’s about going out there, enjoying it and testing yourself.”

Trinity’s squad for Sunday's 1.30pm kick-off is: Bill Tupou, Reece Lyne, Jacob Miller, Mason Lino, David Fifita, Tinirau Arona, Kelepi Tanginoa, Joe Westerman, Jay Pitts, James Batchelor, Chris Green, Innes Senior, Jordan Crowther, Joe Arundel, Alex Walker, Adam Tangata, Josh Wood, BradWalker, Yusuf Aydin, Lee Kershaw, Ollie Greensmith, Harry Bowes, Dane Windrow, Sam Eseh, Patrick O’Donovan.