Wakefield Trinity Wildcats forward Matty Ashurst insists Chris Chester’s side are not taking Friday’s opponents Salford for granted – as they’d be right alongside them in the table if they hadn’t been deducted six points earlier this season.
The Wildcats head to the AJ Bell Stadium knowing that a win would move them a step closer to an incredible top-eight finish this season after a phenomenal run of form under new coach Chester.
And Ashurst, who is a former Salford player himself, insists that it is a vital game in their bid to stave off another season in the Qualifiers later this year.
“They’ve had points taken off them and if they hadn’t, they’d be right in the mix around where we are, so we know it’ll be a tough ask this week,” he said.
“However, given where they are now these are the teams you want to be beating to distance yourselves from the bottom four and cement your place in the eight – hopefully we can go a way to doing that on Friday.
“We’ve had a fantastic run of results and everyone’s really positive so I’m just hoping we can take that into Friday. When things weren’t going well for us we dug in and we’ve got each others’ backs – the Magic Weekend was proof of that. We found a way to win which is a huge positive.”
Ashurst, like most of the Wildcats players, was quick to pay tribute to Chester for what he has brought to the club in recent weeks – but insists that they are not getting carried away by their lofty position on the ladder.
“He’s just brought some belief into the camp. The togetherness we’ve got is incredible and everyone wants to work hard for each other, and we’re starting to get results to show for it now.
“We’re trying to take each game as it comes and not focus on the league table. If we do it though after last year it would be a massive achievement for the club, given where we were 12 months ago.
“Last year was disappointing for me because I missed so much action. I identified a lengthy run of games in the team this season and it’s just great to be on the field week in, week out. I’ve been playing everywhere – even doing a bit of hooker when Mikey Sio gets tired! I’ve filled in there in the past but nothing major, but I’ll play wherever for the team.”