Arona eyeing long-term stay – and trophy success – with Wakefield Trinity

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Tinirau Arona insists he has no plans to return home to Australia at the end of this season – and admits he wants to remain part of a Wakefield side he feels has the potential to win the Super League title.

The popular forward is out-of-contract at the end of this season, but says that with his family settled into life in England nicely, he will not head home even if a new deal with Trinity doesn’t materialise.

Instead, he will try and secure a contract with another Super League club and stay in this country: but admits he would be keen to hang around at Wakefield for a while yet.

He told League Express: “Wakefield is my home now and we’ve grown a good group of friends who have become a family to us. My partner and kids are enjoying life over here, and I’m enjoying being a part of Wakefield.

“I’m hoping to continue my journey in England next year. I want to win championships and trophies now though; I’ve been at clubs like Sydney and Cronulla who have been successful but I’ve not really been involved in the squads there. I want to be part of a title-winning team, and I feel Wakefield are heading in that direction.”

Arona also believes the best is yet to come from a player who was voted player of the year by Trinity supporters in 2017.

“Compared to when I first arrived in England, I’ve grown a lot as a player,” he said.

“I’ve learned the English game, and I feel like I’ve got better and better. Last year, it was great to get recognised by the fans by what I do on the field. I was honoured – and a little bit surprised. But I feel that I’m a bit like a fine wine – the best is yet to come!

“It makes my job easier knowing everyone is all happy and settled here, and I can just worry about my job on the paddock.

“That’s half the battle as a player overseas; and if your family are settled, you’re in a good place. Whether it’s at Wakefield or another club in England, I plan on sticking around here next year.”