Wakefield’s Trinity’s Harry Bowes gets chance to test himself against Super League legend James Roby

Wakefield Trinity youngster Harry Bowes has only a handful of Super League appearances under his belt but he looks set to be the man who will be locked in the No 9 against St Helens stalwart James Roby tomorrow night.
Wakefield Trinity's Harry Bowes battles with Catalans Dragons Sam Tomkins in Perpignan last week. Picture by Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.comWakefield Trinity's Harry Bowes battles with Catalans Dragons Sam Tomkins in Perpignan last week. Picture by Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com
Wakefield Trinity's Harry Bowes battles with Catalans Dragons Sam Tomkins in Perpignan last week. Picture by Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com

Bowes, 20, is likely to start at hooker for Trinity as they take on Saints with Liam Hood ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Bowes was deployed at half-back in last weekend’s narrow defeat to Catalans Dragons but head coach Willie Poching intends to use him in his more familiar position at hooker, as he goes up against one of the best No 9s in the Super League era in Roby.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“You have got to start off somewhere, why not start against one of the best our competition has ever had,” said Poching.

James Roby is still going as good as he ever has. We use the term legend quite loosely at times but he is a Super League legend for what he has done.

“I know that Harry will be excited to go up against someone of his stature. We are excited to see Harry go up against him. He is learning some good habits from some of our experienced players.

“He is a physical player but he is learning the intricacies of playing at hooker.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wakefield are still searching for their first win of the campaign, while Saints have won both of their competitive outings in 2022.

“You have got to do what you do well and do it consistently for 80 minutes, that is the biggest challenge,” added Poching of how his side need to approach the game. “They (St Helens) have defended with a tenacity and intensity in the first few rounds.

“It is about being able to hold your composure when that is happening. It is a physical game and sometimes when you get put on your backside, you get up and go again.”

Half-back Lee Gaskell is ruled out for a couple more weeks after picking up an injury against Hull FC earlier this month while Mason Lino has not been named in the 21-man squad as he builds up fitness.