Newton injury boost for Wildcats

Wakefield are to welcome back hooker Terry Newton for their friendly against Wigan on Sunday.

Newton, 31, a close season signing from Bradford, injured a calf muscle in the Boxing Day friendly against Leeds, and there were fears he would miss the start of the season.

But with the Wildcats set to face Wigan and then Hunslet the week after, coach John Kear said: “Having played Leeds Rhinos on Boxing Day and then Wigan, we shall have a good idea of where are with regard to our state of readiness for start the new season.

“I expect to put out a strong side against the Warriors and that Terry Newton, who injured a calf muscle at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Boxing Day, will be playing against his home-town club.”

The Wildcats saw their friendly against Featherstone at the weekend postponed, following a pitch inspection at the recently renamed Bigfellas Stadium.

Kear said: “It’s disappointing for the club to lose a valuable opportunity but it won’t have too much effect on the squad.

“We’ll be continuing our training programme and building up towards when we start our season by playing Harlequins on January 30.”