Wakefield v Salford.
Under coach Chris Chester Wakefield have continued there rise finding consistency in Rugby League’s top flight. After there promotion back to the big time at the end of the 1998 season Trinity struggled to establish themselves while flirting with relegation on quite a few occasions. Over twenty years later and numerous finishes in the top half of the table The Dreadnoughts are a force to be reckoned with, especially on there home ground Belle Vue.
Going back in history the 1960s were arguably the most successful period in the clubs history. With three Challenge cup titles in 1960, 1962 and 1963. They were also pretty unlucky not to win the famous Water Splash final of 1968. Don Fox’s unforgettable last gasp missed goal kick in dreadful weather conditions.
Trinity capped the swinging 60s off with two League Championship’s in 1967 and 1968.
At the forefront of that golden decade were players such as Don Fox, his brother Neil who played over a 23 year career and is one of the all time great players this country has seen. Derek “Rocky” Turner, Harold Poyton and Gerry Round all played there part in the clubs success. Tragically Star fullback Gerry Round was killed in a car crash at the age of 29 in 1969.
In more recent times Wakefield were the last side to win The Yorkshire cup in 1992 beating Sheffield Eagles at Elland Road 29-16.
Prior to the 2019 season many pundits predicted another good season for Trinity. Top eight finishes in the last three seasons have raised expectations and it’s been exciting to see some fantastic young talent coming through in recent seasons. Tom Johnstone the hot stepping winger is among the most sought after players in the country. Sadly his 2019 season has been hit by a season ending injury. Max Jowitt and Jordan Crowther are both players with really bright futures.
As well as the crop of young talent there is plenty of experience amongst the ranks with Ben Jones Bishop, David Fifita and Anthony England. Former Salford forwards Matty Ashurst and Craig Kopzack could both feature this Sunday too. Perhaps the most experienced player Wakefield have though is the charismatic talisman Danny Brough. At 36 Brough has well surpassed the 400 appearances mark in his long career. Now in his second spell at Wakefield he can lead the team around the park with his masterful tactics. He’s also a top goal kicker and with Jacob Miller partnering him in the halves that’s definitely an exciting combination.
Super League away record
Wakefield 16
Draws 1
Salford 3
1999 Wakefield 36 Salford 10
2000 Wakefield 36 Salford 10
2001 Wakefield 32 Salford 22
2001 Wakefield 23 Salford 20
2002 Wakefield 32 Salford 18
2004 Wakefield 21 Salford 20
2004 Wakefield 46 Salford 18
2005 Wakefield 36 Salford 24
2006 Wakefield 18 Salford 36
2007 Wakefield 34 Salford 26
2009 Wakefield 29 Salford 10
2010 Wakefield 36 Salford 6
2011 Wakefield 6 Salford 32
2012 Wakefield 26 Salford 22
2013 Wakefield 23 Salford 23
2014 Wakefield 42 Salford 6
2015 Wakefield 16 Salford 24
2016 Wakefield 32 Salford 18
2017 Wakefield 24 Salford 22
2018 Wakefield 14 Salford 12
They played for both
There have been quite a lot of players who have played for both clubs in the Super League era. Here is a selection of them:
Shane Kenward, Warren Jowitt, Bobbie Goulding, kris Tassell, Martin Moana, Phil Hassan, Michael Korkidas, Darrell Griffin, Josh Griffin, George Griffin, Andy Kirk, Tommy Saxton, Paul White, Sean Gleeson, Ashley Gibson, Ben Gledhill, Jeremy Smith, Stuart Howarth, Greg Johnson, Josh Veivers, Tim Smith, Matty Ashurst, kevin Locke, Jason Walton, Mason Caton Brown, Ben Jones Bishop and James Hasson!
A match to remember Sunday 27th February 2011.
Wakefield Trinity 6 Salford 32
After a poor start to the 2011 season Salford got there first win in this match at Belle Vue. On a very heavy pitch Shaun McRae’s side turned in a very accomplished display to punish there hosts. A big defeat against Celtic Crusaders on the opening day of the season was followed by a 50 point hiding at home to St Helens.
This match was never in doubt after a storming start. Matty Smith linked up with Stefan Ratchford after just 43 seconds to create the first try, Ratchford going over.
Four minutes later Daniel Holdsworth produced a huge 40-20 kick to lay the platform for Stephen Wild to score the second try.
Holdsworth put in a tidy kick for centre Mark Henry to dive onto ahead of winger Kevin Penny for try number three, also goaled by the scrum-half.
Tommy Lee grabbed Wakefield’s only score midway through the first half.
Despite having Ryan Boyle sin binned in the second half Salford’s defence stood firm.
Adam Sidlow and Mark Henry rounded off a fine victory with late tries for the City Reds.
The teams that day were;
Wakefield: Veivers, Penny, Murphy, Dean, George, Smith, Lee, Korkidas, Rinaldi, P Johnson, Mariano, Morrison, Howarth.
Replacements: Gledhill, Davey, Amor, Henderson.
Salford: Patten, Broughton, Henry, Nero, Gibson, Ratchford, Holdsworth, Cashmere, Smith, Boyle, Adamson, Sidlow, Wild.
Replacements: Parker, Paleaaesina, Sneyd, Jewitt.
Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens).
Attendance: 6,823.
Sunday’s match.
Wakefield might not be the most glamorous of away trips but it’s usually a really tough one and looking at our record in the Super League era at Belle Vue that point is certainly underlined. Our last two visits have been really tight matches with us pretty unlucky on both occasions. In 2017 Ben Murdoch Masila looked to have snatched it before dropping the ball in the final seconds of a pulsating match. Last season on a bitterly cold night in February Salford out scored Trinity three tries to two but went down 14-12 with goal kicking costing us dearly.
Wakefield boast a big pack of forwards with Keegan Hurst, Pauli Pauli, David Fifita and Tinirau Arona to name a few. With Tom Johnstone out injured there’s still plenty of pace and attacking threats in the form of Ryan Hampshire, Reece Lynne and Joe Arundel. One player who can be a real handful in the three quarters is New Zealand power house Bill Tupou. A blockbusting centre with plenty of NRL experience.
After trailing 6-26 at half time last week at home to Warrington, Wakefield produced a remarkable comeback. In the end they were just edged out by the Wolves 32-34.
Like Wakefield, this Salford side can score points. You do however get the feeling that a big defensive effort this Sunday will win this match. The battle of the two packs should be fascinating. If the Salford forwards can lay the platform as they did a few weeks ago in Perpignan this match is there to be won.
The Red Devil’s edge defence definitely needs some work after last weeks defeat to Wigan. One player who I am looking forward to seeing in the team again is Adam Walker. He looked impressive last week scoring a try on his home debut and he’s certainly got the size to cause his former club Wakefield a few problems.
This match looks to close to call and promises to be another exciting one not to be missed.
Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.
Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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