Magic Preview: Hope springs eternal

Whitbread and Wakefield keen to keep up the fight  

Asked to sum up Wakefield Trinity's season so far, one word comes to mind for Australian forward Jai Whitbread - frustrating.

Trinity arrive at St James' Park for Magic Weekend rock bottom of Betfred Super League and with a huge battle on their hands to avoid relegation. 

But despite Whitbread and his team-mates' disappointment to date, they certainly haven't lost hope yet. 

"It feels like we've been putting the work in and not getting the results, and that's been frustrating to say the least," Whitbread explains. 

"But there's definitely still a belief, for sure. There's plenty of footy still left and we're not throwing the towel in. 

"We do talk about it a lot - what we can fix up and get better. I think we just have to action that and take the work we're doing at training into game day." 

For Trinity coach Mark Applegarth, it hasn't been an easy start to life in the hot seat after taking over from Willie Poching at the club. 

"If we'd asked him and most of us six months ago whether we'd be in this position, I don't think anybody thought we would," Whitbread continues. 

"I've got a good relationship with Mark and he's always trying to think of ways we can improve. 

"He's trying to provide the best environment for the players so that we can produce our best performances."

Whitbread himself has undoubtedly been among Trinity's best all year, leading from the front consistently. 

"I've been quite happy but there's still a lot of things to work on and progress," he says modestly.  

"I want to win games and that's the hardest part. It's good playing well yourself, but you want to be winning." 

Magic Weekend pits Wakefield and Whitbread against familiar foes in Leigh Leopards - Trinity have lost two home matches this season to the Australian's former club, including the recent Betfred Challenge Cup clash. 

"We know what they're about and know what a good team they are," he adds. 

"They're very skillful and it's going to be a tough game, but we're looking forward to it. 

"They've recruited well this year and a lot of this squad was together in the Championship so they formed strong connections that way. 

"Most of the squad now wasn't there when I was, but I played with Kai O'Donnell at Gold Coast. He's been going well and John Asiata is their key man. 

"Magic Weekend is a great event for fans to come and watch as many teams as they like  

"It's good for the sport and I completely agree with the concept - we just need to make sure we play well." 

PLAYER IN FORM - JAI WHITBREAD 

It has been one of the most difficult starts to a season in Super League history for Wakefield Trinity, but front rower Whitbread has stood tall throughout. 

The former Gold Coast Titan first arrived in the competition at Leigh in 2021, catching the attention of Trinity who moved quickly when the then Centurions were relegated. 

Since then Whitbread has been a constant pillar for Wakefield up front, leading his pack forward no matter what the scoreboard has read. 

ONE TO WATCH - SAM ESEH 

There was plenty of excitement surrounding Eseh's return to Trinity this season after a season on loan with neighbours Featherstone in 2022. 

Eseh won the Championship Young Player of the Year award for his efforts in a Rovers shirt and is now picking up where he left off - but at a higher level. 

The strong-running prop has become an increasing presence in Mark Applegarth's pack, causing opposition forwards plenty of issues in the middle of the field. 

This article is taken from the Magic Weekend programme, copies of which can be ordered online via Curtis Sports. 

Tickets for Magic Weekend at St James' Park are available to purchase online via superleague.co.uk until Friday 2 June and on match day from the Stadium ticket office.