Trinity stage late comeback to beat Tigers

Betfred Super League

Wakefield (0) 13

Smith, Jowitt, Smith, Jowitt, Lino, Jowitt, Jowitt, and Jowitt.

Castleford (12) 12

A late drop-goal from Mason Lino saw Wakefield Trinity come back from behind nine straight home defeats at Castleford Tigers.

After Jason Qareqare’s two first-half tries and Sam Wood’s additional try, the Tigers, who have only won once in Super League this season, looked set to double that total.

However, Trinity fought back through converted scores by Harvey Smith and Max Jowitt despite Rowan Milnes’ failure to add any extras.

With Zac Cini sped down the right flank before falling to his late-game debut at Belle Vue, Castleford might have scored early, but Tom Johnstone’s crucial tackle bundled him into touch.

However, the visitors’ opening try came from a lightning counter-attack, with full-back Tex Hoy pressing Corey Hall’s kick deep inside his own territory and zigzag past several obstacles before releasing Qareqare for an unstoppable run all the way to the line.

Wakefield’s attacks failed despite having a lot of possession, and Mike McMeeken wasted a chance by knocking on Lino’s kick just under the posts while doing so shoddily with the defense.

Instead, the Tigers increased their lead as Wood soared to the end to secure Milnes’ precision kick, and Qareqare, who had once more accelerated into space, collected another ball from Milnes and held off his man, to make it 12-0.

At half-time, Milnes scored three of his first-half conversion opportunities wide, keeping Wakefield very close to their visitors, but frustration persisted after the break.

After a storming run from well inside his own half, Hoy’s tackle somehow managed to keep Johnstone out of the game. Jay Pitts was also kept out on the line thanks to a late-minute interception by Liam Horne.

However, Smith eventually felt the pressure as he dipped over from the dummy half, and it appeared Lino had added another try by twisting across from close range.

Lino grounded the ball after the video referee had determined that the on-field decision had been overturned by video referee Ben Thaler, but Jowitt pushed to find the whitewash as the home side scored later in the set.

Daryl Powell, the head coach of Wakefield Trinity, told BBC Radio Leeds:

“We had a very loose attitude when we first started our sets, and Castleford had a great intention of doing so,” said the director. They fairly well used the pace and scored early on us.

I believed we simply gave them energy, which they did quite well. We didn’t defend well against them, but they did score a few tries from kicks, which was fortunately a little off.

“That gave us a chance to get back into the game, but it still required a lot of time.” Thankfully, it ended up in our favor, and I’m really pleased to win. However, we still have a lot to fix, mentally strengthen, and ensure that our first half performance is improved.

Danny McGuire, the head coach of the Castleford Tigers, told BBC Radio Leeds:

We were really disciplined and clinical, especially in the first half, which is where I’m obviously disappointed with the outcome but really proud of the performance.

We worked hard for one another, and we had a good attitude. I believed our team was better the majority of the time.

We battled and stayed in there for the second half, which was sometimes unpleasant. We’ll learn from losing, which I detest, and come back stronger.

Hamlin-Uele, Atoni, Smith, and Faatili make changes.

Hoy, Simm, Cini, Wood, Qareqare, Asi, Milnes, Okoro, Horne, Lawler, Simbiken, Mellor, Mustapha, and Castleford.

Westerman, Rimbu, Salabio, and Dezaria swapped out.