Smith Names Squad For Wakefield Friendly

Tony Smith has named a 23-man squad for Sunday’s pre-season fixture against Wakefield Trinity at the Be Well Support Stadium, brought to you in association with Jadan Press.

The match will be the Black & Whites’ final outing ahead of the start of the 2023 Betfred Super League campaign, with Smith naming a strong side as he opts to offer several key names some pre-season minutes.

Liam Sutcliffe is set to make his first appearance for the Airlie Birds since joining the club from Leeds, having been rested against Sheffield due to his prolonged 2022 season with the Rhinos, while Kane Evans is also in line to make his return from injury having recovered from a knee injury sustained in August which saw him miss the Rugby League World Cup campaign for Fiji.

Jack Brown also returns having fully recovered from shoulder surgery in the off-season.

Mitieli Vulikijapani misses out with an ankle knock sustained in the pre-season clash against Sheffield, while Ligi Sao is suffering with a dead leg sustained in training.

Carlos Tuimavave (Achilles), Jake Trueman (ACL) Andre Savelio (ACL), Connor Wynne (ankle), Jamie Shaul (calf), Charlie Severs (shoulder) and Kye Armstrong (shoulder) all remain sidelined and continue their recoveries from their respective injuries.

Tickets for the game will remain on sale from our club retail stores until 12.00pm on Saturday – due to renovation works taking place at the Be Well Support Stadium, meaning the ground is currently operating at a reduced capacity, only a limited number of tickets will be available to purchase on the gate on Sunday. Supporters are therefore advised to purchase in advance if possible from club retail stores.

The full 23-man squad can be found below:

1. Tex Hoy

2. Adam Swift

4. Liam Sutcliffe

5. Darnell McIntosh

7. Jake Clifford

9. Danny Houghton

10. Chris Satae

12. Jordan Lane

13. Brad Fash

14. Joe Lovodua

15. Joe Cator