Mark Applegarth unsure whether Lewis Murphy has played final game for Wakefield

Wakefield coach Mark Applegarth says he doesn’t know where Lewis Murphy will be in 2024, but his priority is making sure the winger makes a full recovery from his ACL injury.

Murphy has been ruled out for the entire 2023 season. He suffered an ACL injury in their 8-0 defeat to Huddersfield in Round Three.

“It was disappointing for Lewis,” Applegarth told the press in his pre-match press conference prior to last Friday’s 26-0 defeat at Leeds.

“We got him scanned on Monday which confirmed the news really. He has got an ACL tear. We’ve got his surgery booked in later this month.

“We are just supporting him now, getting him recovered as quick as we can so he can continue his playing career.

“We’re just really disappointed for him personally. We know how much he was looking forward to backing up that season he had last year.

“We’ll be there to support him every step of the way and make sure he doesn’t feel isolated or lonely. We’ll keep him around the lads and focus on him getting fit and ready for next year.

“I’m just gutted for him. He’s such a nice, humble kid who just wants to work hard and get better. He lives and breathes it.

“It’s a cruel blow, but that’s sport unfortunately. I know he is a strong character with a good support network around him. I’ve got no doubts he will be back bigger and better next year.”

NEW RECRUIT: Wakefield bring in Huddersfield forward on loan

Has Lewis Murphy played his final game for Wakefield?

The 20-year-old, who has scored 19 tries in 24 games for Wakefield, has been linked with a move to Sydney Roosters in the NRL from 2024.

Murphy is out of contract at the end of the season. It’s not yet been confirmed where his future lies.

When asked if Murphy has played his final game for Wakefield, Applegarth replied: “I don’t know if I’m honest with you.

“When Lewis is ready to announce his future once it is all sorted out, I’ll be listening with the rest of you.

“Hopefully it is with us but he has got quite a lot of interest as you’d expect. That’s at the back of my mind at the moment.

“My first and foremost (priority is) making sure Lewis, as a friend and a coach, comes back from an ACL reconstruction which is a long lay-off. I’m more focused on that more than that side of things, just making sure I’m there for him.”

READ NEXT: Wakefield chairman addresses losing start to 2023 Super League season