Josh Griffin: Wakefield Trinity coach highlights what ‘quality’ new signing will bring to Belle Vue

Wakefield Trinity coach Mark Applegarth believes the signing of Josh Griffin will prove to be a valuable one for a number of reasons.

Back-rower or centre Griffin has linked up with Wakefield on a deal until the end of next season following his release from Hull.

The 33-year-old is currently serving a seven-game ban picked up in the Challenge Cup against St Helens last month after being red carded for dissent towards referee Chris Kendall.

Griffin, who made his professional debut for Wakefield back in 2008, could make his second debut for the club in their huge clash against Castleford in Round 22.

Explaining how the move for Griffin came around, Applegarth said: “Josh was a person that we were chatting about mainly for next year, with him being under contract at Hull, so when it came about that he was being released by Hull we moved pretty quickly to get his services secured.

“I’m delighted we’ve got that if I’m honest with you, I think he’s a quality player.

“He’s a person I know well, I know his family well and I think he’ll add a lot of value to what we are trying to build over here at Wakefield.”

Josh Griffin signing creates ‘competition for places’ – Wakefield Trinity coach

Applegarth, who actually played alongside Griffin for Wakefield, believes the experienced back-rower will create competition for places in his side as they look to avoid relegation from Super League.

He said: “I think for the culture, he’s played at the top level for a number of years now.

“He’s been at Hull for seven years, he’s worked alongside some quality players there and competed in some big games so I think he’ll be great for our culture, helping drive that standard moving forward.

“He’s an ultimate professional, lives his life right and obviously looks after himself really well so he’s exactly the sort of character we are trying to bring in and add to what we’ve already got.

“He creates competition in places, especially in the back-row spot which is only a good thing.

“He was in great form before his ban. I thought he was probably the in-form back-rower in Super League so hopefully he can pick up where he left off with that as well.”

Mark Applegarth provides recruitment update

Following the signing of Griffin, Applegarth says the club are ‘content’ with where they are at in terms of making any more reinforcements.

“Never say never, (but) we are quite content,” Applegarth said.

“Unless we get some mad injuries which have been happening throughout this year… But we are more than content.

“If we get some bodies back and get a fully fit and healthy squad that we’ve got a lot of firepower to choose from but the main thing is keeping everyone fit and healthy, that’s the biggest thing and a lot of squads are the same.

“You’ve got to keep your best players on the field, especially with these nine games coming up.”

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