Wakefield Trinity set to give key players valuable game time in cup test in Lions' den
A number of Wakefield Trinity’s new signings are set to get their first serious run out when the competitive action gets under way with a third round Betfred Challenge Cup tie at Swinton Lions on Sunday.
Trinity’s opponents have already played three competitive games, but have lost two close Championship matches, 28-24 to Goole Vikings on Sunday and 12-8 to Rochdale Hornets.
They did defeat Ince Rose Bridge 44-26 to win through to the third round of the cup, but it would be a big step up for them to cause an upset against Daryl Powell’s men.
Powell is likely to field a strong side with the start of Super League just a further week away and several players still looking to shake off the cobwebs after not playing since the end of last season.
Big signing Jazz Tevaga, who has not yet featured in any of Wakefield’s pre-season games after arriving late because of his international duties, is one of the players needing game time and it could be a first chance for fans to see what he can offer in the cup tie.
Trinity included four of their first team squad members in a reserves pre-season friendly at St Helens.
A close game was won 26-22 by the Saints against a Wakefield team that included full-back Josh Rourke, winger Lachlan Walmsley, Kian McGann at half-back and Noah High at prop.
The Trinity team fought back from 20-0 down at half time with tries by James Evans, Ashton Winks, High and Harry Knight.
The club, meanwhile, is close to a season ticket milestone as they reported on Monday that they were just 100 away from the magic 5,000 mark for the 2026 Super League campaign.
Trinity season ticket holders are able to take advantage of a deal done with Dewsbury Rams whereby they can watch Championship games at FLAIR Stadium free of charge in the 2026 season.