Leigh Leopards v Wakefield Trinity preview: Daryl Powell's thoughts, team news and 21-man squads
Boss Daryl Powell has revealed Wakefield Trinity’s attacking mentality ahead of tomorrow’s (Friday) crucial clash with Leigh Leopards.
Going into the final round of the regular Betfred Super League season, Trinity could finish anywhere from second on the table to fifth. They are currently fourth, two points adrift of Warrington Wolves and with an inferior for and against, but one win ahead of Leigh.
The most likely scenario is a rematch with tomorrow’s hosts in an elimination play-off next weekend. The side finishing fourth will be at home to the team immediately below them and Trinity’s better points difference means Leigh need a victory by more than 27 to secure that advantage.
But rather sweating about it, Powell insisted his side’s best option is simply to win the game. Speaking at his preview press conference this afternoon, he said: “The players have been talking about that today.
“I don’t think [they should] worry about it too much. I think just concentrate on what you’re doing, go and play well and focus on getting a win. That takes all equations out of the park. We can just focus on us and not worry too much about anything else. I think that’s key.”
Powell has named an unchanged 21-man squad from last week’s win against Warrington, though Ky Rodwell faces a late check on a shoulder injury. Of Leigh’s need to rack up a big score to have any chance of a home tie next week, Powell added: “We are aware of the details and prepared for whether they want to move the ball everywhere and chase points.
“I am not sure whether they will do that, but we’ll see. We’ve been defending pretty well; we started off a bit loose last week and we have to start better than that, but we have been a pretty strong defensive team and we’ve just got to back ourselves that whatever Leigh do, we can combat it.”
Leigh Leopards: from Armstrong, Hanley, Charnley, Cook, Lam, Ofahengaue, Ipape, Mulhern, Trout, Liu,Alick-Wiencke, Davis, Horne, Senior,Towse, O’Brien,Hughes, Badrock, Brogan, Wilde, Ashworth.
Wakefield Trinity: from Jowitt, Scott, Hall, Johnstone, Trueman, Lino, McMeeken, Smoothy, Rodwell, Tevaga, Pitts, Hamlin-Uele, Faatili, Smith, Vagana, Walmsley, Sinfield, Myers, Williams, Lipowicz, Guler.
Referee: Liam Moore (Wigan). Kick-off: Friday, 8pm.