Wakefield confirm Jacob Miller exit, but hope to keep Jamie Shaul

Wakefield captain Jacob Miller will depart Belle Vue at the end of the season, but Trinity are hopeful of keeping loanee full-back Jamie Shaul permanently.

Australian half-back Miller, 30, has made almost 200 appearances for Trinity since arriving at the club from Hull in 2015. He has been strongly linked with a move to Castleford for 2023.

“It is with much sadness on my part that he has decided to move on,” Wakefield chief executive Michael Carter wrote in his season reflections on the club website.

“Timings and relegation meant that we could not announce anything before last Thursday (despite Dave Fifita and T Arona) and the victory against Hull KR was indeed Milky’s last home game. We have shared so many moments and he has turned into a true leader for this club.

“If Milky does play on Monday and Friday, he will finish on 200 games for this club, the second highest for an overseas player behind Dennis Boocker. A magnificent achievement and one that should be remembered by every Trinity fan.

“During the week we will be showing the top six moments from our number six, culminating in the game on Friday against Huddersfield where I hope you will all come along and show your appreciation to the man himself.

“Of all the movements of players, this is the one that has left me most gutted.

“But I understand the reality of it all. I look forward to catching up with Milky whenever our paths cross next. Thank you for all you have done for Wakefield Trinity and good luck in the future.”

Miller becomes the 10th player to leave Wakefield at the season’s end. Winger Tom Johnstone will join Catalans Dragons, whilst forward pair Yusuf Aydin and James Batchelor will head to Hull KR.

Former Tonga international Bill Tupou announced his retirement earlier in the season. Fan favourites David Fifita and Tinirau Arona will depart upon the expiry of their contracts.

Loose forward or half-back Brad Walker has been linked with a move to League 1 champions Keighley.

Nigeria international Sadiq Adebiyi and centre Thomas Minns will also exit Wakefield.

FULL LIST: Every Super League player out of contract for 2023

Wakefield planning for 2023

Having secured their Super League status last week for next season, Willie Poching’s side can now start planning for 2023 in terms of recruitment and retention.

Carter has revealed that the club are hopeful of keeping Hull full-back Jamie Shaul on a permanent deal.

“What we have managed to do is bring players in early, that were earmarked for next year,” Carter explained.

“Jorge Taufua will become a firm favourite with his hard-hitting style. Rob Butler came in from Warrington and we look forward to watching him after a full pre-season, bearing in mind he’d played only five games in two years before joining us.

“Josh Bowden joined us and has been very impressive in the middle for us; and we also hope to tie up a deal for Jamie Shaul who has provided maturity and organisation at the back.

“We also expect Sam Eseh to make a good contribution next year after proving his worth in the Championship this year whilst out on loan at Featherstone.”

Wakefield face St Helens and Huddersfield away in their final two games of the season.

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