DARYL POWELL is confident Zac Lipowicz will “fit superbly” at Wakefield Trinity after signing the back-rower from Catalans Dragons for the remainder of the season.
The 24-year-old Australian has made a permanent, rather than loan, transfer to fill a current shortage in that position at Trinity – then will return Down Under to join an unnamed NRL club for next year.
Seth Nikotemo was recently released after returning home to Australia for personal reasons, while Isaiah Vagana dislocated his shoulder in last Saturday’s home defeat to St Helens, when Wakefield were already without Jay Pitts due to a ruptured bicep.
“After losing several players to injury over the last ten days, it has become really important for us to strengthen our numbers as we move towards the crucial part of the season,” said coach Powell.
“We were made aware of Zac’s availability and moved quickly to bring him on board for the remainder of the season.
“He’s had a really strong season at Catalans and we believe will fit superbly into our squad.”
Lipowicz scored eight tries in 26 appearances during his only season with Catalans, having signed from Penrith Panthers where he played one NRL game but was a regular for three years in their second-tier New South Wales Cup team.
He joins a Wakefield side hoping to arrest a two-game losing run and guarantee a play-off place when they travel to form side Wigan Warriors on Friday.
“I’m excited to be joining Wakefield Trinity – the club has shown great ambition over the past few years,” said Lipowicz.
“They’ve played some incredible rugby league so far in 2026 and I can’t wait to meet the boys and get stuck in until the end of the season.”