Interesting to hear the coach fitting in to the Headingley PR machine so seamlessly, by describing the Boxing Day game as an important part of the team's pre-season preparations.



Clearly, given the number of players being excused from taking part in it for one reason or another

Richard Mathers will be playing for Wakefield as he has just signed for them on a season long loan.

He's just been on Yorkshire Radio saying he's not ready and is 7wks behind pre-season training so he's hoping to play against Catalans or Cas!!

Says on article on wakey site that he could be in line.

Think mathers has been training in gym (weights etc) but has been excluded from ball skills/team strategy sessions with cas.



He may play but may not be fully up to speed with the teams game plan, language, plays etc. ( can't believe I said wakey actually may have a plan and some plays)

In fairness, I think these friendlies do have a certain role in getting players ready for the new season. Which isn't to say that I think the result matters or anything, but for players who haven't been on international duty, I don't think any training session is a substitute for a match for blowing away some cobwebs.

And blowing off some of the sprouts.



That's one thing I miss, Danny Ward going through the motions in these festive games. Now he's retired maybe he could squeeze himself into one of the shirts?

1. Lee Smith

2. Jimmy Watson

3. Kallum Watkins

4. Zak Hardaker

5. Jamel Chisholm

6. Stevie Ward

7. Rob Burrow

8. Darrell Griffin

9. Paul McShane

10. Ian Kirke

11. Jay Pitts

12. Weller Hauraki

13. Chris Clarkson

14. Liam Hood

15. Richard Moore

16. Brad Singleton

17. Luke Briscoe

The Wakefield squad in full is:

Kyle Amor, Ben Cockayne, Dean Collis, Richard Mathers, Issac John, Andy Ellis, Tim Smith, Oliver Wilkes, Andy Rowley, Steve Southern, Kyle Wood, Paul Johnson, Kyle Trout, Frankie Mariano, Matt Wildie, Dale Morton, Danny Kirmond, Danny Washbrook, Matt James

Looks a stronger squad than last year. Ellis is on the money out of acting half and if Tim Smith sorts his head out these pivots could pull the strings for Wakie next year.

I am pretty happy with how we are looking on paper. Think we have invested around 1.2-1.3 mill on the squad this year. Better than the 700k last year!



I just hope for an improved year where we can be challenging for a playoff spot with a few games to go.



Leeds as always will go well.



As off boxing day derby. What could be better than freezing my jewels off on the terracing watching a derby. 5 layers of clothing, be good to see some of our new faces.



Thought lauititi would line up, would like to have seen and Fox but game comes too soon I think.

Wakefield have a top-8 pack and bench this year (Amor, Ellis, Johnson, Southern, Lauititi, Washbrook/ Aiton, Wilkes, Kirmond, Raleigh). However their back division looks about the weakest in the league. And as for their coach...

are we only going to play 17 player i though Luke Ambler would have got a place on the bench it dont look good

if he cant get in the boxing team

Surprised they're not giving Buderus a run out