WAKEFIELD coach James Webster admits that whilst his pride was hurt following their Boxing Day defeat to Leeds, there is still plenty of time to improve as the club prepares for the 2015 season.
The 50-26 reverse against the Rhinos wasn’t an ideal start to the Wildcats’ pre-season, but Webster has urged fans not to panic over the scoreline, as they continue their pre-season programme against local rivals Featherstone this Sunday.
“You turn up to learn about yourself and to try to get rid of the negatives,” Webster told League Express.
“We had plenty of positives from that game, as well as a few things we know we’ve still got to improve on.
“We played a lot of people out of position; we don’t have the depth to make so many changes and put people in proper positions.”
Webster insists that despite their Championship status, Rovers will be no pushover this Sunday, which Wakefield found out in pre-season last year, when they were beaten 24-8.
“We went to Featherstone and got well and truly spanked last year, so we know it will be a tough game. Our preparation has to be spot on, and we’re looking for ways to improve as we progress through pre-season.
“They’re going to be very competitive in their division with guys like Paul Sykes in their ranks, as we know all too well,” he added.
Webster confirmed that anyone who is fit and available will feature against Rovers, as well as revealing an illness scare for one of his top stars over the festive period.
“Believe it or not Nick Scruton actually contracted pneumonia over Christmas. He’s not trained last week but we’re hoping he will be fine for Featherstone.
“Anyone who is fit and in the ranks for Sunday will play against Featherstone. We won’t be resting anybody, but if for some reason they pick up a niggle before the game there’s just no need to risk them so early into the season.”
Jarrod Sammut and Dean Collis have been back in their native Australia over Christmas and New Year with their respective families, but, if fit, Webster confirmed they could also feature this Sunday.
