-
34 minutes ago
Wakefield Trinity have been handed a significant boost with the return of Ky Rodwell after a five-month absence.
The influential Australian prop, who joined the club from Parramatta Eels at the start of last season, has missed 16 games with a knee injury sustained against Castleford.
Trinity head coach Daryl Powell confirmed the 26-year-old will be involved for Saturday’s crucial Super League match against Hull KR – who could wrap up the League Leaders’ Shield with a game to spare at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.
Wakefield occupy the final play-off spot, a point above seventh-placed Hull FC.
“It’ll be good to have him back,” Powell told BBC Radio Leeds. “It’s been a fair while since we’ve seen him and we’ve been pretty light at times so it’ll be good to see him get back out there and see how he goes. He’s looking forward to it.
“We’ve not had him an awful lot this year, which has been tough for him and for us. He’s a physical front-rower, has really good go-forward and is pretty aggressive defensively – everything you want in a front-rower. He had an awesome year for us last year.
“I don’t expect him to be blowing the game out of the water, but just getting him back out there will be awesome for us.”
‘Hull KR have been phenomenal this year’
Rodwell’s return is a timely lift for Trinity after a disappointing derby defeat by Castleford in their most recent outing. A win would keep their play-off destiny in their own hands, with Hull FC hosting Warrington in another 17:30 BST kick-off on Saturday.
Wakefield’s opponents Hull KR have a big carrot in front of them – a second trophy of the season is theirs for the taking, although it would already be secured if Wigan fail to beat Castleford on Friday.
Rovers have a long-term injury absentee of their own back in England international Oliver Gildart, who has been absent for six months with a knee injury, while prop Sauaso Sue is also fit again after being injured in last month’s defeat at Leeds.
“Hull KR have been phenomenal this year – they won the Challenge Cup and they’re pretty close now to the League Leaders’ Shield,” said Powell.
“They’ve been the best team this year consistently, but for us, we’ve just got to handle what’s thrown at us and be at our best. When we have been at that level, we’ve been pretty good this year.”
