WAKEFIELD SEASON REVIEW: Much of the Same!

Wakefield Trinity seem to have an inherent characteristic that prevents them from finishing bottom of the table. Trinity have avoided relegation on the final day of the season several times since their promotion to Super League in 1999. Only in 2015 have they finished bottom, but survived via the Million Pound Game.

In 2020, there was no relegation, but the tale was the same. Another year of dwelling near the foot of the table, but avoiding the wooden spoon. We did not know it at the time, but Wakefield's first game of the season involved the two teams who would eventually occupy the final two places of Super League.

It was a terrible start to the season, losing away to Hull KR in an all-too-easy manner, with Ben Crooks crossing for four tries. In typical Wakefield style, they lost a game many thought they would win and won their next game, which many thought they would lose.

This was a hard fought home win over Warrington. The game finished 18-8, a scoreline that seemed unlikely in a game where the first try was not scored until the 61st minute. Two tries in three minutes from Matty Ashurst and Tom Johnstone gave Wakefield a win earned by sheer determination.

Before lockdown, Wakefield's abject record against rivals Castleford continued apace, but wins away at Salford and a golden-point loss to Hull FC put Trinity where most would expect them by that stage of the season.

It was not in Super League that Wakefield played their final game before the hiatus, but the Challenge Cup, where they survived a scare against Bradford. Despite a stated aim to launch a tilt at Wembley, they faced elimination against Catalans in the next round.

Post-lockdown, Wakefield went on a 10 game losing run. They lost in several different ways. Bravely, in a one point defeat against Wigan and three point defeat to Hull FC. Unfortunately, in a four-point loss to St Helens. Shamefully, in a league defeat to Catalans Dragons. Irrespective of the adjective used to describe Wakefield's performances, the result was the same. Zero points. Nil paux.

In October, a newspaper article was published suggesting that there was turmoil in the Wakefield camp. Some of this was already known, with star prop David Fifita being dropped for refusing to wear a GPS tracking device. Other, more explosive allegations in the article accused Chris Chester of behaving unprofessionally and disharmony between players and staff.

How do you respond to accusations that a club is in crisis? Wakefield responded with three wins in one week, defeating Huddersfield narrowly and then Hull KR and Leeds comfortably. It was the perfect antidote to an awful season. It may be mere coincidence, but Wakefield's upturn in form did follow the newspaper sting. Wakefield fans would be entitled to ask why it took this to spring the club to life?

Looking more widely, the return of key players such as Jacob Miller was also a large contributory factor to the wins. Without relegation, Wakefield had little to play for and finished the season with losses to Leeds and Salford, but the manner of the defeats gave cause for optimism.

What will 2021 bring? It brings the signing of Mason Lino but the departures of Danny Kirmond, Tony Gigot and Craig Kopczak and other lesser-seen players from the 2020 season.

If Wakefield struggled in 2020, with few reinforcements coming in, it is not a difficult argument to make the 2021 will follow in the same manner. Trinity have punched above their weight for years though. In terms of facilities and spend, they lag behind all of their rivals. They are the ultimate survivors.

They will need to find that spirit again in 2021 to fend off the challenge of a hungry Leigh Centurions side, determined not to head straight back to the Championship following their promotion back to Super League.