Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell says sold out Leeds Rhinos showdown is chance to 'prove how good we are'

Trinity are on a seven-match winning run and go into the sold out home derby – televised on Sky Sports – sitting second in Betfred Super League, just two points behind Leeds. Powell feels Rhinos have been “the best team all year, pretty much”, but reckons his side are ready to put a marker down.

Five of Wakefield’s last six games in the regular season are against sides in the top seven on the table and Powell stressed: “We have to handle that challenge.” He insisted: “Every week is different, but I think the team is handling adversity when it comes and handling playing on the front foot when that comes.

“We have shown we are a really good team; we have got high-quality individuals, but I think we are an outstanding team as well. Everybody’s doing their job to a high level so I am really pleased with where we are at, but we aren’t getting carried away.

“We know the challenges around the corner - starting with this one - are significant. It’ll prove how good we are, I think, over the next six weeks.”

Trinity knocked Rhinos out of the Challenge Cup at DIY Kitchens Stadium, Belle Vue, five months ago, but were beaten in May’s league encounter at AMT Headingley. Powell warned: “They’ve got good players across the field.

“If you look at the Man of Steel standings, they have got players littered in there, their spine is very good and they are really challenging. [Scrum-half] Jake Connor is playing well, [stand-off] Brodie Croft is scoring tries, [full-back] Lachie Miller’s always electric.

“I just think wherever you look they’ve got threats about them and they throw all sorts of different things at you. Look at the Toulouse game [last week], the amount of ball they had and the amount of shapes they are throwing - you’ve just got to defend really well with great instinct and your communication has got to be great because they’ll go from one side of the field to the other on the back of an offload.

“I just don't think anybody can knock off. You’ve got to be consistent right to the end. They kick the ball in danger areas and they challenge everything. They are a high-quality team and we know what we’re facing.”

Rhinos’ points difference ensures they will remain top whatever happens tomorrow and Powell vowed Trinity are taking things week to week rather than looking at the end goal. He added: “We’ve played them twice this year already so we know what they can do and we know what we can do as well.

“The challenges across the season after this one are just you’re playing quality teams every week and that needs a special effort. We’re aware of that. We’re coming up to a really key part of the season and we’re in a great position. To hold that position we are going to need to be outstanding and we know that as well.”