Mason Lino future update with Wakefield star off-contract at season’s end

Wakefield half-back Mason Lino has provided an update on his future, saying he wants to remain in Super League beyond his current deal.

Lino is in his final season of his initial three-year contract with Wakefield. The Samoan-born playmaker initially made the move in 2021 from Newcastle Knights.

He has since gone on to make 48 Super League appearances, scoring seven tries and kicking 124 goals.

A three time international with his home nation, Lino had previously been linked with a move away from Belle Vue, eyed up as a potential replacement for Thomas Leuluai at Wigan.

And Lino admits he wants to continue his career on this side of the world, but is yet to confirm his future beyond 2023.

“I definitely want to stay in Super League,” Lino said.

“I don’t know where I’ll be. I’ve not had those sort of discussions yet. I think my main focus at this point in time is to play good football for Wakefield and hopefully everything else takes care of itself.

“Super League has been really enjoyable. A different style of footy and a bit more open flow.”

Lino is also open to the prospect of extending his stay in West Yorkshire.

“100%. If I’m enjoying my time and my family are happy, then I can’t see why not,” Lino responded when asked if he would stay at Wakefield.

“If we’re playing good football, it’s definitely an upside.”

Mason Lino on Wakefield’s start to the season

Wakefield are just one of two sides still searching for their first win of the season, alongside Castleford.

Mark Applegarth’s first stint in charge of the club has so far resulted in defeats to Catalans, Wigan and Huddersfield. And the side have been hit with more than their fair share of injuries.

Star winger Lewis Murphy has been ruled out of the rest of the season due to an ACL injury. Full-back Max Jowitt is set to be sidelined for up to three months, while Kelepi Tanginoa continues to recover from a hamstring injury sustained in the 60-0 hammering at the DW Stadium. 

The side travel to Headingley Stadium in Round Four to take on Leeds, having defeated them 38-20 during pre-season on Boxing Day.

“I think as a team, we’re still trying to find my feet a bit,” Lino said.

“It’s a whole sort of new squad if you look at it and in some key positions. It’s something that we’re working on and hopefully we can get it flowing a bit better tomorrow night.”

“If we can get a win, hopefully we can get a roll on.”

Wakefield have been nilled twice so far this season, including the 8-0 home defeat to Huddersfield. While they scored four tries in the 38-24 defeat to Catalans.

On his own performances, he continued: “Personally, I’m disappointed to be fair. More so with the nils and not being able to score points.

“I think that falls to our spine, especially me being a half-back in the team. For me personally, I’m disappointed in that area. But we’re looking to be better tomorrow night.

“I haven’t won at Headingley during a season game, so it’s a goal for us to get over there and get the job done.

“If we can get a win, hopefully we can get a roll on. We’ve just got to get over the hurdle.”

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