OPPOSITION GUIDE | WAKEFIELD TRINITY

AHEAD of this Friday's crunch Coral Challenge Cup fifth-round clash, we take a look at our Super League opponents - Wakefield Trinity...

FORMBOOK

Wakefield Trinity go into the clash sitting 9^th in the Super League ladder following two wins from their opening five league fixtures.

A stunning Round Two defeat of Warrington Wolves was preceded by a defeat away at Hull Kingston Rovers – with their other win coming away at Salford Red Devils in Round Four.

That win was sandwiched by defeats against Castleford Tigers – and a golden-point defeat against Hull FC – with Chris Chester’s side producing a stunning second-half fightback which ultimately ended in defeat. 

THE CAPTAIN 

Jacob Miller leads Trinity out in 2020 boasting experience from the NRL as well as a lengthy-stay in England’s top tier.

‘Milky’ enjoyed three years at Wests Tigers before joining Hull FC in 2013, where he spent two seasons prior to his Belle Vue move.

Miller sits fifth in the all-time appearances for an international player at the West Yorkshire club, proving an integral figure in the halves for Chris Chester.

THE BOILER ROOM

David Fifita, Tinirau Arona and Kelepi Tanginoa are three powerful front-row units who will pose threats this Friday – with the likes of Chris Green and Craig Kopczak adding depth to the Trinity roster.

Jay Pitts, Danny Kirmond and Joe Westerman are all experienced back-row options – Kirmond currently the longest-serving Trinity talent.

Kyle Wood looks set to start at hooker in a pack that could also feature former Halifax player Adam Tangata.

THE BACKS 

Wakefield’s backline boasts an array of talent in 2020 following some strong off-season recruitment.

Tom Johnstone offers a significant scoring threat on the wing for Chester, with the likes of Reece Lynne and Bill Tupou featuring in the centres.

Jacob Miller and Danny Brough are both experienced options in the halves – though the latter is set to miss out through injury.

THE COACH

Chris Chester took to the helm at the Mobile Rocket Stadium in 2016 following two years in charge of Hull Kingston Rovers.

An impressive first two years in charge saw Wakefield reach the play-offs and the Challenge Cup semi-finals – with Chester winning Super League Coach of the Year.

The Wakefield-born 41-year-old enjoyed playing spells at Halifax RLFC, Wigan Warriors, Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers prior to retirement.

CONNECTIONS

Trinity’s 2020 roster boasts four ex-Bulls in its ranks in the form of Jay Pitts, Ryan Atkins, Craig Kopczak and Joe Arundel.

Atkins and Kopczak emerged through the Bradford Bulls Academy to make their debuts in 2005 and 2006 respectively before going on to enjoy various spells in Super League with other clubs.

Pitts became a Bull in 2014, spending three years in the red, amber and black prior to his move to the Capital – with Arundel enjoying a loan spell at the Bulls, also in 2014.

PAST MEETINGS

The two sides last met in 2015’s Million Pound Game – when James Lowes’ side went within a width of post of a return to Super League, only to be defeated by a late Scott Moore try.  

When the two teams last faced off in league action, Bradford – coached by Francis Cummins – did the double over Wakefield.

Bradford last travelled to the Mobile Rocket Stadium for Challenge Cup action in 2007 – when two tries from Lesley Vainikolo helped secure a 14-4 win.

CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket - alternatively, call us on 0333 323 5075 or visit the Team Shop. 

PLEASE NOTE: All tickets bought online must be exchanged in the Bradford Bulls Team Shop for an official Match Ticket. The deadline for Ticket Collection is 5pm, Thursday 12th March. 

Coach Travel can also be secured at a cost of just £10 - with coaches departing Odsal Stadium at 5:45pm. 

CLICK HERE to book your Travel - or visit the Team Shop - alternatively, call us on 0333 323 5075. 

Bradford Bulls Team Shop Opening Hours

Monday to Friday (10:00-17:00)

Saturday (10:00-14:00)

Sunday (CLOSED)