Decision made on Wakefield’s Super League fixture against Huddersfield after pitch inspection
General view of The Be Well Support Stadium before the Betfred Super League Round 1 match Wakefield Trinity vs Catalans Dragons at The Be Well Support Stadium, Wakefield, United Kingdom, 17th February 2023 (Photo by Steve Flynn/News Images)
Wakefield Trinity’s Super League fixture against Huddersfield will go ahead as planned on Friday at the Be Well Support Stadium.
The Belle Vue pitch has passed an inspection on Wednesday afternoon and has been deemed fit for purpose.
Wakefield’s upcoming home fixture against Ian Watson’s Giants was under threat after seven Catalans players required antibiotics due to infected leg wounds following their opening round match.
The Super League side said it will continue to monitor the surface over the coming weeks, with Catalans head coach Steve McNamara previously slamming the conditions.
Super League game on between Wakefield and Huddersfield
Wakefield said in a statement: “Friday’s Betfred Super League fixture between Wakefield and Huddersfield will go ahead as scheduled.
“The playing surface at the Be Well Support Stadium was inspected today (Wednesday). And the clubs have agreed that the match should go ahead.
“Monitoring of the surface will continue over the coming weeks.”
Wakefield face Huddersfield with a 7:45pm kick-off.
Squad news
Trinity have been dealt a double injury blow to Kelepi Tanginoa and Max Jowitt, who are facing lengthy spells on the sidelines. They will also be without Reece Lyne, who was ruled out through a medical issue last week.
Wakefield are still without a win in 2023. They have lost to Catalans and Wigan respectively in the first two rounds of action.
Centre Kevin Naiqama misses out for Huddersfield. He is replaced by Nathan Mason in Watson’s 21-man squad in the only change from last week’s defeat to Warrington.
Wakefield 21-man squad: Taufua, Hall, Gaskell, Lino, Battye, Hood, Whitbread, Ashurst, Pitts, Crowther, Kay, Atoni, Kershaw, Proctor, Smith, Langi, Butler, Murphy, Eseh, Windrow.
Huddersfield 21-man squad: McGillvary, Marsters, Bibby, Lolohea, Fages, Hill, Peats, Greenwood, Jones, McQueen, Yates, Golding, English, Trout, O’Brien, Wilson, Cudjoe, Livett, Russell, Mason, Pryce.
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