How Wakefield Trinity are shaping up for Super League return with nine new signings made

Mike McMeeken will be a Wakefield Trinity player in 2025.
-Credit: (Image: SW Pix)


Wakefield Trinity are largely expected to return to Super League in 2025 after a one-year absence. The general consensus is that the West Yorkshire outfit, who were relegated last year, will acquire enough points in IMG's grading to secure their top-flight place, with the club recruiting accordingly.

Finishing top of the Championship with 25 wins from 26 games, they have already confirmed the signings of Catalans Dragons duo Tom Johnstone and Mike McMeeken, not to mention half-back pair Jake Trueman and Oliver Russell from Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants. They have also signed the likes of Josh Rourke from London Broncos, with Warrington Wolves winger Matty Russell their latest recruit.

Building their 2025 squad, Trinity will also bid farewell to nine players at the end of the year. Luke Gale and Jermaine McGillvary have already confirmed their retirements, with Matty Ashurst also leaving the club after ten years. Elsewhere, six more players will leave the club, with Toby Boothroyd, Josh Bowden, Romain Franco, Derrell Olpherts, Iain Thornley, and Ethan Wood all set to move onto pastures new.

That will ensure a new-look Wakefield side takes to the field in 2025. Here, Rugby League Live looks at how they could shape up under Daryl Powell.

1. Max Jowitt
The club-produced full-back is closing in on an all-time record for points scored in a single rugby league season. Jowitt currently has 484, 12 short of Leeds Rhinos legend Lewis Jones' 496-point record.

2. Tom Johnstone
The flying winger will return to Wakefield in 2025 after spending the last two seasons at Catalans Dragons.

3. Cam Scott
The young centre will swap Hull for Wakefield in 2025.

4. Corey Hall
The Leeds Rhinos will return to Wakefield after a spell on loan at Castleford Tigers from Hull KR.

5. Lachlan Walmsley
The Scottish international completes a young and pacey backline. To date, he has scored an incredible 111 tries in just 108 appearances in the British game, also featuring for the Halifax Panthers and Whitehaven.

6. Jake Trueman
The half-back will look to put two injury-hit seasons at Hull behind him. He could yet make his Wakefield debut this year.

7. Oliver Russell
The half-back is Luke Gale's replacement and has been brought in to give some direction to the side.

8. Mike McMeeken
The England forward was the club's first new recruit for 2025 and set the tone in terms of ambition. Don't be surprised to see him in the front row next season.

9. Liam Hood
The hooker has been a regular for Wakefield for the last three years.

10. Isaiah Vagana
The big forward returned from injury last month. Capable of playing at prop or in the back row.

11. Josh Griffin
The veteran has made the transition from centre to back row and will look to finish his career with a bang.

12. Seth Nikotemo
Wakefield announced the signing of the former Gold Coast Titan last month. He is yet to debut in the NRL but featured heavily for the Ipswich Jets in the Queensland Cup.

13. Jay Pitts
The loose forward has been with Wakefield since 2020 and recently announced an extension for 2025.

14. Josh Rourke
The Lancastrian has had a fine second half of the season at the London Broncos, having recovered from a broken leg. He could slot in pretty much anywhere across the back line.

15. Caleb Uele
The towering prop has featured heavily off the bench this year, having signed from New South Wales Cup side Newtown Jets.

16. Luke Bain
Another big forward who has featured off the bench.

17. Matty Storton
A reliable middle for Trinity to call on next year, having played over 100 games for Hull KR.

18. Ky Rodwell
The Aussie forward has been a regular this year, with Wakefield having some strong strength in depth next year, whichever way they go.

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