DARYL POWELL says he learned very little from Wakefield Trinity’s Boxing Day defeat at Leeds Rhinos.
Leeds triumphed 18-10 in the opening pre-season fixture for both sides, a full six weeks before the season begins and seven weeks before their Super League openers.
“Both of us picked pretty scratch teams, with young players in there and a few senior boys mixed in,” said Wakefield coach Powell.
“I don’t think we got much out of it. There’s a bit around the ruck area, you can see how it’s going to be managed (quicker) this year, a bit differently.
“For some individual players it will give us a chance to sit down and look at some bits, but we won’t do too much on the back of that.”
Powell had praise for one player in particular, saying hooker Harvey Smith backed up a strong pre-season effort so far into the game at AMT Headingley.
“Harv has had a standout pre-season for us,” added Powell, who also has new signing Tyson Smoothy waiting for a first outing in the position.
“I made him captain today – I just thought he deserved it with his pre-season. He’s shown today he’s a proper player.
“Physically he handles it, and he’s got speed that a lot of other nines don’t have.
“Tyson didn’t play today, but he’s been awesome for the team and for Harvey.”