Wakefield Trinity to hand out Boxing Day debuts with Leeds Rhinos plan outlined

Daryl Powell has confirmed that a number of Wakefield Trinity's new signings will feature in their Boxing Day clash with Leeds Rhinos. Wakefield, who made Bradford Bulls youngster Jayden Myers their latest addition for their Super League return earlier this week, will take on the Rhinos at Headingley for the annual festive clash between the two clubs.

The likes of Olly Russell, Josh Rourke, and Seth Nikotemo will be among those to feature in the game, and a strong contingent of the squad's first-team players, as well as some younger talent, will be included.

Leeds are set to take a similar approach as both coaches get a first look at the rewards of pre-season training to this point.

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"A lot of the players who have signed for us this season will be playing," Powell said. "For Wakefield fans, there are some juicy bits there to have a look at. I spoke to Brad Arthur and we'll be similar to those guys, we'll start pretty strong and it will taper off. Not everyone will be in there, but it will be a strongish team."

Powell is satisfied with the early stages of pre-season training, praising his squad for keeping themselves in check during their time away from the club.

"The impressive thing is the shape they've pretty much all come back in. We've done some testing which has been exceptional. The halves that we've signed, Truey and Oli Russell, are looking great and have been driving training really well. Oli Pratt has come back and stepped up again. Mike McMeeken came in on Monday."

On Pratt, Powell believes Wakefield's young outside back is ready to hit the ground running in Super League after an excellent season in the Championship.

"What I saw last year was a player who I'm not sure 100 percent believed in himself when he started off if I'm honest. He improved throughout the year and was one of our better players once he grabbed hold of the coaching. Shenny did a lot of high-quality coaching with him last year, mentally he changed and physically he worked really hard. He looks like he has gone to another level this pre-season. He's a tough kid, I believe he's ready whether that be at centre or wing."

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