DARYL POWELL believes he has a crop of youngsters who will make the Boxing Day clash with Leeds Rhinos well worth the trip for Wakefield Trinity fans.
The two West Yorkshire rivals have both named squads which combine experienced first-team talent with new faces for the 11.30am kick-off at AMT Headingley.
Wakefield head coach Powell has named five of his new signings in Jack Sinfield, Will Tate, Kian McGann, Tray Lolesio and Jordan Williams.
But he’s also looking forward to seeing some of the club’s academy and reserves players, as well as Myles Lawford, the 22-year-old former Bradford Bulls halfback who is set to spend the season playing on loan at Halifax Panthers.
“It’s a mix of senior players and some young boys which is always exciting to see,” Powell said of the squad.
“Some of them have been training with us and some have come up from the academy and trained well over the last couple of days.
“Myles Lawford hasn’t played an awful lot with us (five appearances, all in 2024). I’m just watching him train at the moment and he looks great.
“We’ve got Charlie Abraham (also a halfback) starting. He’s come in late, he’s a bit older, he’s a reserves player, and I like what I’ve seen from him.
“Brooky (Robbie Brook, Wakefield’s Academy Player of the Year in 2025) playing at fullback is another one I’m really looking forward to seeing play. He’s strong, athletic and has a real eye for the game.
“There’s a whole host of young players who I think will go well. They’ve fitted in seamlessly so it will be great to see how they handle a bit of intensity and a decent crowd.”
Following the game, the first-team squad will have some time off before heading to Tenerife for a warm-weather training camp on Saturday, January 3.