Willie Poching planning for 2023 after Wakefield secure Super League survival
Wakefield coach Willie Poching says planning for 2023 can begin after his team secured their Super League status for another year with an 18-6 victory over Hull KR at Belle Vue.
Trinity trailed 6-0 at the interval but clinched a fourth win in their last five matches thanks to second half tries from wingers Lee Kershaw and Lewis Murphy and full-back Max Jowitt.
Wakefield’s status had effectively been secured 900 miles away in the south of France, where bottom club Toulouse lost 24-14 to Catalans Dragons in the French derby, but at least Poching’s men managed to end their home campaign on a high and climbed a place to 10th after Warrington’s 19-18 home defeat by Castleford.
“It does feel good,” Poching said. “A couple of weeks ago we put the situation in our own hands and I really like the way we’ve gone about things in the last month.
“We showed some of the Wakey spirit tonight. It’s frustrating that we’ve not been able to show more of it throughout the year, but doing it on our terms and with two games to go is really pleasing.
“There’s a tinge of relief and a bit of finality. We can start the planning process for next season with some assurity.
“We got a bit loose in the first half but fixed it up in the second half.”
BIG BOPPER: David Fifita wants to play one last season with twin Andrew in Australia
2023 recruitment is underway, says Willie Poching
Popular forward David Fifita wrapped up the scoring with the final conversion on his final home appearance as he prepares to end his seven-year stint with the club.
It was also a fitting way for Tinirau Arona to bow out in his final appearance at Belle Vue.
Poching says it is “possible” other players will be on their way out of the club amid speculation linking captain Jacob Miller with a move to Castleford but says the recruitment process is under way.
“We’ve got nothing over the line yet but we’re actively looking around to get fresh people in,” Poching said.
PODCAST: Lee Briers on NRL ambition, Wigan honour & Super League restructure
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast
