England stars including captain Kevin Sinfield will be out to impress at Magic Weekend.

The colourful event is back at the home of Manchester City for a second consecutive year after more than 60,000 fans enjoyed sunshine and scintillating Rugby League 12 months ago.

But for Huddersfield Giants and England prop Eorl Crabtree it’s another opportunity to impress England head coach Steve McNamara, and cement his place in the Elite Training Squad ahead of Rugby League World Cup 2013.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to market yourself for a place in the England team,” said Crabtree, whose side face Bradford on Sunday at 5.15pm.

“Everybody is focused on performing well for their clubs, but with it being World Cup year, the players are also trying to cement their spot.

“Those guys with that focus are the ones who’ll get picked, as even the ones currently in the squad know that they have to remain consistent to keep their place.

“Everybody is vying for selection, and the Magic Weekend is a great window for all of the players to show what they can do.”

Crabtree spent three days in camp with his England team-mates at the beginning of last week, at the Elite Training Squad’s base in Loughborough.

And the imposing prop says he is already feeling the benefits.

“It’s always good to be in camp and get together with the boys,” said Crabtree.

“To get back on the field with them and go through one or two plays is important, and it’s great to see the other boys in action.

“We have a great facility and superb staff within the England set-up, and the players benefit immensely from this time together, so it’s crucial we get together fairly frequently in World Cup year.”

And while 14 clubs prepare for battle in the blue half of Manchester this weekend, 14 nations will vie for a spot in the Rugby League World Cup 2013 Final, which will take place across the city at Old Trafford on November 30.

Crabtree admits to having one eye on this autumn’s tournament, and in particular the clash between England and Ireland at the John Smith’s Stadium on November 2.

“It’s always good to play on your home patch and I’ll be seeking to utilise the home comforts of a familiar ground if I’m selected to play.

“It’d be a bit strange getting a coach to my own stadium, but I just want to play, and it’d be great to have the Giants fans behind me and the England boys for that game.”

Tickets are now on sale for RLWC2013, with 55% of tickets priced £20 or less. To make sure you will BE THERE buy now at www.rlwc2013.com/tickets or call our 24 Hour Ticket Hotline on 0844 847 2013.

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.

Danny Kirmond says the Wildcats players are committed to righting the wrongs of their below par showing at Hull KR.

By the admission of Richard Agar and the players, Trinity were well below par at MS3 Craven Park and head to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday with one of the biggest matches of each and every season looking to get back on track.

Wakefield meet Castleford (2.15pm) at the home of Manchester City aiming to extend a run of three successive derby day victories over the Tigers and Kirmond says the players are committed to showing what they’re made of against the clubs local rivals.

“It’s a great platform to play on and a great stadium and you get a chance to showcase your skills to a few people who don’t normally watch rugby league so it’s a great opportunity for everyone,” said Kirmond, speaking at the Magic Weekend media day on Tuesday.

“Most of all, it’s a derby game which we always look forward to.  They’re always big games for the club, a bit of local bragging rights on offer so it’s one we’re really looking forward to.

“We were really average to where we want to be (against Hull KR) and that performance was nothing like what we feel we can perform and that’s the most disappointing thing.  It’s not like we put in those performances week-in, week-out.  It’s a one off performance that’s really let everyone down and let ourselves down more than anything which is why we’re really keen to get back to winning ways.

“We’ve had a really honest session this morning (Tuesday).  Everyone knows where we went wrong last weekend and everyone’s fully committed to putting it right.

“The second half was probably the worst we’ve played since Rich took over and since I’ve been at the club so it is hard to take.  Seeing it on footage is the best way and the most honest way.  That’s the best way to get it across to everyone.  We’re really committed to each other and we understand that we didn’t do well enough for each other.”

Local bragging rights have belonged to the fans in red, white and blue ever since the 2012 Magic Weekend where a Tim Smith try sealed the win in an enthralling contest played out in a sweltering Etihad Stadium.

Since then the Wildcats have won fairly comfortably twice on Tigers turf, but Kirmond is expecting anything but a straightforward victory, particularly given that Castleford are now under the guidance of a new head coach in Darryl Powell.

“Castleford are a really dangerous team.  They’ve got a new coach so everybody will be looking to pick their game up so it’s going to be a bit of a different proposition this time when we play them.

“We know they’ve got a lot of dangerous players in Daryl Clark and Rangi Chase, plus lots of attacking players.  We know we’re going to have to be at our best and that’s the most important thing for us, that we look after our performance.”

Last year’s Magic Weekend was of extra significance to Kirmond as he took over the captaincy from Steve Southern and helped guide the Wildcats to not only a victory on that day, but a second half of the season that saw Wakefield force into the play-off places.

Twelve months down the line and ‘Captain Kirmo’ is continuing to thrive in the role and was one of the Wildcats better performers against the Robins.

Reflecting on the first twelve months as the clubs on-field leader, Kirmond is pleased with how things have gone.

“I think it’s gone really well,” he said.

“We had the great run last year and it was great to do it (the captaincy) through an off-season, helping people out and doing things that maybe you don’t do through the season.  You get to see lots of different places and come on promo’s like this, it’s a good experience and something the normal person might not see.

“It’s definitely something I’m enjoying, I’m developing into and I think the boys like me doing it too.  I want the best for the team and that’s what I’ll try to do.  I’ll do my best whenever I am captain and try my best for the team.”

You can listen to the full interview with Kirmond on the Wildcats SoundCloud account by clicking HERE.

Supporters who purchased their Magic Weekend tickets and took up the offer of a FREE Magic Weekend t-shirt are advised that they are now available for collection.  Anyone who purchased their ticket during the period of the offer in the Stadium Box Office can collect their t-shirt from there, whilst anyone purchasing in either the Ridings Centre or Trinity Walk will be able to collect their t-shirt from our Ridings Centre store.

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.

Support the Wildcats in the final seven home games of the Super League season at a fantastic price!

Still to come at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium this year are the big local derbies against Champions Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers plus what could be a crucial clash against fellow play-off hopefuls Bradford Bulls.

Both Wigan Warriors and St. Helens will travel across the Pennines to challenge Richard Agar’s men whilst there’s also the showdowns with Widnes Vikings and London Broncos.

Adults can enjoy all seven games for the price of four* with a Magnificent Seven Half Season Ticket for just £80.  It’s also great value for juniors at just £20 – that’s less than £3 per game!

Concessions can enjoy all the action from £50 and young adults (aged 16-21) can purchase their half season ticket for just £40.  A child goes free with our family ticket (based on two adults and two children) for £180 – a saving of over £350 on buying game by game.

All half season tickets come with a ‘Bring a friend for a fiver’ voucher meaning you can introduce somebody new to the Wildcats at any of the big home matches between now and the end of the season.

Purchase in our Ridings Centre Store, the Rapid Solicitors Stadium Box Office or call 01924 201548/211611.

* Seven games for the price of four applies to the Adult Ground Standing half season ticket only.

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.

Prop Taulima Tautai has joined the Wildcats following his release from Parramatta Eels.

The prop forward has played over 70 first grade games in the NRL for Parramatta and Cronulla Sharks after making his debut for the Eels in 2008 and he will arrive at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium on Wednesday morning and will be sponsored by HS Security.

The 25-year-old is predominantly a prop but started his career as a back and has plenty of experience playing both on the wing and centre position before converting himself into a barnstorming forward.

The Australian-born player burst onto the scene in 2008 and was awarded the Eels Rookie of the Year before moving to Cronulla for the 2010 campaign where he lined up alongside some of the current Wildcat stars.

The 6ft 3in giant who weighs in at over 17 stone has represented Samoa in the past and will be hoping to force his way into their World Cup squad at the end of the season and he hopes to enjoy a successful time in the northern hemisphere.

“I can’t wait.  It’s a good opportunity for a new start and I’m looking forward to it.  I want to give something back to Wakefield and establish a career for myself in Super League.

“I’m really excited, the game is really fast paced and physical over there so I think it’ll suit my game.  I watched the Wakefield vs. Catalan game on TV recently and there’s some big boys over there.

“I started my career out on the wing but I like to be involved, get my hands on the ball, make tackles and go looking for work so I enjoy playing in the middle.

“I spoke to Timmy (Smith) and he gave Wakefield a massive rap.  He said the team’s really good, it’s a good bunch of boys and he’s really enjoying it.  I spoke with Richard Agar too and I just can’t wait to get over now.”

Wildcats head coach Richard Agar was pleased to boost his options in the pack as the Wildcats strive to mount a challenge on the play-off spots.

“He’s fit and ready to go,” said the head coach.

“It will give us a boost at this stage (of the season) and we haven’t filled the quota spot that Isaac (John) had which has been empty for most of the season. It will certainly give us what we’ve been looking for a while which is increased competition for places among our middle men which is something that will help our squad.

“He’s not played at Parra at all this year and hence he’s looking for a move, we’ve been able to utilise that situation and the timing of it has suited both parties.

“He’s formally an outside back but has made the transition into the forwards over the last two or three seasons.

“He’ll certainly add to the strength and depth of our forward back, he’s got good footwork and a real ability to get you on the front foot and get you a quick play of the ball.

“He has a little bit of versatility that he can play front-row and back-row and certainly in the short term we see him as an addition to our front-row.”

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.

See your name in lights at the Magic Weekend.

In the build up to the two-day Super League celebration on Saturday May 25 and Sunday May 26, fans are invited to post messages of support to their favourite team or player, birthday or celebration messages and any other messages of support using Twitter or Facebook.

All supporters need to do is send a tweet including the #magicweekend hashtag in their tweet or post a message on the Super League’s official Facebook page (facebook.com/rlsuperleague) again using the #magicweekend hashtag.

All messages posted before 5.00pm on Wednesday May 22 will be catalogued and placed in a random queue. Messages will appear on both the big screen inside the stadium and on the digital pitch perimeter boards during the two-day Super League extravaganza.

The club only has reserved day and reserved weekend tickets remaining until midday on Wednesday.

Ticket prices for Magic Weekend are below (Gold Member prices in bold)

Daily tickets:

Reserved seating: adults £45 (£22.50) & concessions £22.50 (£11.25)

Weekend tickets:

Reserved seating – adults £60 (£30) & concessions £30 (£15)

Tickets can be purchased from the Wildcats retail store in the Ridings Centre Store, the Rapid Solicitors Stadium Box Office or by calling 01924 201548/211611.

The 2013 Magic Weekend schedule in full is:

Saturday May 25

12:00 Catalan Dragons v London Broncos

14:15 Castleford Tigers v Wakefield Wildcats

16:30 Hull FC v Hull Kingston Rovers

18:45 St. Helens v Warrington Wolves

Sunday May 26

15:00 Salford City Reds v Widnes Vikings

17:15 Bradford Bulls v Huddersfield Giants

19:30 Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.

Book onto the half-term camp with the Wildcats.

The action packed camp is a must for all youngsters looking to spend their week off school by having a great time and is open to boys and girls aged 6-12 years-old. You can book for any or all of the three days – choose what’s best for you!

The Wakefield Community Trust have over 10 years of experience, delivering holiday camps that aim to encourage participation alongside promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Whilst providing an outstanding service to busy parents, we are not just content with children coming to us to be looked after. We want your child’s day to fly-by, ensuring they are kept busy throughout each and every hour of the day.

Preparations are well under way the exciting string of games which will take place on the Rapid Solicitors Stadium pitch, the same turf where your Wildcats heroes play in front of huge crowds!

There will be an incredible inflatable rugby pitch where you will be joined by Wakefield’s very own mascot Daddy Cool.  Children will also have the opportunity to learn in the fantastic fun-friendly learning zone centre at the stadium in a series of exciting games where youngsters can show off their creative flair.

That’s not all though as the highlight of the camp will be when Wildcats first team players join in some of the activities and get to know the children while signing any merchandise or posing for photographs!

A member of the Wildcat Dolls will also join in some of the fun for an alternative session teaching dance amongst the action packed three days.

Children are asked to bring a packed lunch and water bottle with them with for only £10 per day which is a bargain considering the enjoyment which will be guaranteed.

The Trust can also be able to extend the supervision between 9am-4pm for an extra £5 a day while there will be great a great promotion for all attendees for the home game against Wigan Warriors on Sunday 2^nd June. The offer will see cash back tickets for family and friends and gives children another opportunity to witness a Super League game for a cheaper rate.

All children will also have the opportunity to take part in a parade around the pitch at half-time of the high profile fixture against Wigan which is yet another brilliant reason to take part in the activity camp!

For more information or to book your place on the activity camp (Tuesday 28^th, Wednesday 29^th or / and Thursday 30^th May) then contact James Stephenson on 01924 211611 or email him jamesstephenson@wakefieldwildcats.co.uk. However, the easiest and quickest way to book is online and you can do so by clicking HERE.

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.

Fans are invited to join club legends to celebrate the 1963 Challenge Cup success.

Wakefield last lifted the trophy 50 years ago and supporters are invited to join some of the legends that played in that 25-10 victory over Wigan for a champagne reception and three-course meal at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium, where some of the people that played a part in that famous day will share their memories of the unforgettable occasion.

The evening will consist of a three-course dinner and is superb value at just £45 per person.

Availability is limited and spaces are sure to fill up quickly, so don’t delay and book your place alongside club legends to mark the 50th anniversary of one of Wakefield Trinity’s most famous days.

Book now by calling 01924 211611 or e-mail stevenbeeton@wakefieldwildcats.co.uk.

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.

Kyle Trout scored against York at the weekend.

The Wildcats official partner club the Dons produced a superb performance to beat York City Knights 24-12 at the Huntington Stadium with three Trinity players on show. Danny Cowling started in the centre on the inside of Liam Kay while Kyle Trout lined up at prop for Tony Miller’s men.

Wakefield representatives started and ended the scoring for the South Yorkshire club as a first-half double by winger Kay gave them a 16-12 lead at the break while Trout wrapped up victory in the 75^th minute by adding his name to the score sheet.

Progression to the quarter finals of the cup competition was also a feat matched by Dewsbury as they produced a shock in knocking Halifax out 20-18.

Lucas Walshaw started the game in the second-row while half-back Bobbie Goulding was in the halves alongside former Wildcats back Kieran Hyde. Walshaw produced a solid display throughout while Goulding kicked four successful goals from five attempts at the Tetley’s Stadium.

Elsewhere, Frankie Mariano’s Featherstone were beaten 22-12 by Leigh Centurions. The second-rower came off the bench at the Big Fellas Stadium but couldn’t help his side to victory.

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.

Justin Poore conceded the Wildcats simply weren't good enough against Hull KR.

Despite leading 18-16 at half-time having been far from their best, Wakefield never got started in a second half that belonged entirely to the hosts who racked up 28 unanswered points to claim victory.

Trinity were pegged back in their own half with uncharacteristic errors and a penalty account that went against them and the Australian says the team simply didn’t implement what they had trained for leading into the game.

“We focussed all week on where we were standing and we needed to win today, and we didn’t,” said Poore when speaking to Yorkshire Radio. “We knew at half-time that we were in with a chance. We weren’t playing good footy but the way we played today, we just weren’t on and we didn’t do the things we trained for.

“Penalties and ill-discipline (cost us), everybody can put their hand up, myself included.  It’s just not good enough.  Usually we’re not like that and sometimes you have days like that and today was one of those days.  We’ll fix it up and I’m sure Rich will be giving us a spray through the week so I don’t think that will be happening again.

“Today is one of those games where we couldn’t have done many things worse.  Some blokes efforts were good but it was one of those days where nothing went right and everything went wrong.”

Whilst the defeat to a Rovers side also striving to reach the top eight was a dent to the Wildcats own ambitions, Poore says that it is important the men in red, white and blue return to showing the attitude that won them back-to-back games in recent weeks.

“We’ve got some really winnable games over the next eight weeks and we’ve got to focus on them and win.

“We’ve got to take it week-to-week and if we can turn up with the attitude we have been showing, bar today, then we’re in with a shot.”

You can listen to the full interview with Poore on our SoundCloud account by clicking HERE.

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.

Richard Agar was disappointed with his sides high error count.

Wakefield led 18-16 at the interval in an end-to-end contest that was littered with penalties and errors more than it was genuine pieces of quality, but it was Hull KR who got more control in the second half and they scored 28 unanswered points to increase the gap between themselves and the Wildcats in the league table.

Speaking after the game, Agar said his side had nobody to blame but themselves for the disappointing defeat.

“We probably committed more knock-ons and unforced errors today than we have done for a long time,” said Agar, “and I thought it played a massive part in the game.

“At half-time we didn’t think we were playing our best but we felt the team that played with the most control and discipline in the second half would actually enjoy the rest of the game.  That wasn’t to be us.

“We made far too many errors, unforced errors on many occasions.  Our discipline let us down, although I will say I didn’t think we were on the back of a 7-3 penalty count in the second half.  I think every game that this bloke referees becomes a little bit like this, which is a shame for everyone.  But that’s not the reason we were behind today, it was very much our own doing.

“We were loose with the ball.  In the second half we had hardly any possession in their half at all and when we did we decided to kick it away on play two, which pretty much summed up that we weren’t prepared to play tough enough in that second half.”

The Robins scored three late tries as a tiring Wildcats defence paid the price for having to do too much defending close to their own try line in the second period.

Wakefield’s attacks were sporadic at best in the second 40 minutes and it was the red and whites who enjoyed the dominance in both possession and territory.  Agar says his side must learn from this if they are to mount a challenge on the play-off places.

“We need to show a little more resilience and a bit more grit when things are going against us, and on our own try line.  We said to them (the players) afterwards, it’s probably a point of our season where we’re still in touch but if we keep putting in performances like that then our season will go one way.

“Alternatively, we can have a good look at ourselves, shake ourselves down and get ready for next week where hopefully we can put in a much improved performance and give ourselves a bit of a kick-start.  We felt today was a good opportunity for us and we were nowhere near tough enough to win that game in the second half.

“A lot of it was our own doing and I would like to see us show far more grit and far more resilience when we come across situations like that in the future.”

Agar revealed Peter Fox required eight stitches to a head wound suffered in the first half although he later returned and is expected to have no problems taking to the field at Magic Weekend.

Ali Lauitiiti missed the game after suffering a heel injury in the week’s final training session on Saturday.

You can listen to Agar’s full post-match press conference on the Wildcats SoundCloud account by clicking HERE.

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger

Wakefield led 18-16 at the break after a frenetic first half, but Hull KR scored 28 unanswered points to blow away the visitors.

Graeme Horne, Rhys Lovergrove and former Wildcat Luke George all crossed for braces of tries, whilst Craig Hall and Con Mika also claimed four-pointers.

The Wildcats had recovered from 12-0 down to go 16-12 in front courtesy of tries from Dean Collis, Ben Cockayne and Lee Smith, whose penalty on the hooter had given Wakefield the half-time advantage.

Ultimately it was a combination of poor discipline and errors that contributed to the Wildcats downfall as Rovers ran out deserved and comfortable victors.

Wakefield carried the early threat after Josh Hodgson was first guilty of conceding the penalty and then coughing up possession, but despite some half openings the Rovers line remained intact.  The same couldn’t be said for the first test of the Wildcats goal line defence.  Successive penalties helped the home side 90 metres upfield and Burns’ ball to Horne saw him ride the tackle of Wood and roll over the line.

After the spell of early pressure it was all Rovers from that moment.  First Peter Fox couldn’t handle a swirling bomb from Dobson and took a bang on the head that forced him from the field, before the other Rovers old boy Ben Cockayne spilled a grubber.l  A try didn’t come from that set, but with Wakefield pegged back, Rovers struck as Collis came out of the line but was too slow to stop Dobson getting the pass out and the overlap put George over.

Richard Agar’s men desperately needed the next score and they got it through Collis.  After the Robins conceded a drop out Wakefield punished them with the repeat set and after the dangerous Kirmond drew the attentions of the Robins tacklers, it created the overlap from which Collis sprinted to the corner.

The Wildcats made it back-to-back tries when a penalty presented the chance to make easy yards and it was a superb flat pass from Kyle Wood that did the damage, allowing Vince Mellars the simple task of putting Cockayne in at the corner.

Rovers early intensity was always going to be hard to maintain and when it dropped, Wakefield sensed the chance to strike.  The turnaround was complete when Tim Smith kicked to the corner and Lee Smith gathered and shrugged off some flimsy Rovers defence to get in at the corner, his sweetly struck conversion giving Wakefield the lead.

Neither side seemed to want to take a stranglehold of the game and from the restart Mathers spilled the ball backwards but Burns knocked on to present the ball back.  However, Wakefield threw a forward pass, compounded that with dissent and Rovers took full advantage for Horne to cross for his second try.

The scoring didn’t end there though, Cockayne’s restart bouncing out to give Wakefield a set-of-six with less than 60 seconds on the clock.  A try wasn’t forthcoming but an easy penalty was, and Lee Smith was again the man to convert, an 18-16 lead for the Wildcats at the break.

Hull KR get the better start to the first half and they did the same again in the second, Burns and Withers combining for the half break and although Mathers hauled down Salter, Horne stayed composed on the last tackle to loft an inch perfect kick into the hands of Hall who dotted down under the sticks.

The home crowd were becoming frustrated with the amount of the referee’s whistle they were hearing and the game threatened to boil over moments before George claimed his second try and gave the home side an eight-point lead with a quarter of the game remaining.

It wasn’t just the home fans getting frustrated with the referee and the Wildcats felt hard done by in the lead up to Lovegrove’s seemingly decisive try.  First Burns slipped into a tackle and Danny Washbrook was penalised for a high shot, then as Lovegrove rumbled his way over, James Child ignored Danny Kirmond’s pleas to consult his touch judge and awarded the score.

Mika added another ten minutes from time when Wakefield ere penetrated through the middle of their defence and there was no doubting Lovegrove’s second when he was just too powerful to stop getting to the line.

Teams

Rovers

Hall, Brown, Salter, Welham, George, Burns, Dobson, Griffin, Hodgson, Paea, Horne, Lovegrove, Mika. Replacements: Withers, Cox, Beaumont, Walker.

Wildcats

Mathers, Fox, Collis, L. Smith, Cockayne, Wood, T. Smith, Poore, Aiton, Raleigh, Mellars, Kirmond, Washbrook. Replacements: Amor, Wilkes, Molloy, Annakin.

Richard Agar says Sunday's game has added importance given the league standings of the two teams.

Rovers sit one place and one point ahead of Trinity in ninth place, with St. Helens occupying the final play-off place a further point better off, whilst Bradford Bulls and Hull FC lie three points ahead of the Wildcats having played a game more.

With still an entire half of the season left to play, the top eight is still a long way from being decided and a defeat for either side on Sunday would far from spell the end of their ambitions of making the play-offs.

However, Agar says the comparative league placings of the sides gives the game added importance.

“There’s probably similarities to when we went and played Widnes the other week and were sat a place behind them, and it gave us an opportunity to jump over them,” he said in this week’s pre-match press conference.

“There’s still a long way to go but you’d have to say that Hull KR, along with Bradford and a couple of teams below us, are the ones that want to be fighting it out for those spots come the end of the season.

“In the context of it, it puts a little bit more importance on the game.  They’ve been patchy if you like but have had some terrific wins at home.  They’ve knocked Saints off twice, beat Warrington at home but they’ve had some disruption as well.

“They’ve not been able to field a consistent line-up for a number of weeks.  It’s got the makings of an important game in terms of league standings and who wants to push on and challenge.”

It’s a second visit to East Yorkshire in just over a week for the Wildcats after bowing out of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup to an impressive Hull FC last time out.  That night the Wildcats were without senior players Justin Poore and Richard Mathers, but the latter looks certain to return to the fold for the first time since early April after overcoming a foot injury.

Paul Sykes (knee) is still a minimum of two weeks away from being in contention to make a return to the side, but with the prospective boost of both Mathers and Poore returning combined with the Wildcats overall form in the past month, Agar is confident his side are capable of emerging from MS3 Craven Park with the result they want.

“Mathers is definitely back in,” confirmed Agar.  “(Justin) Poorey has got to do a little bit more with us to see whether he plays or not but we’re happy with the progress both players have made during the course of this week.  It’ll be good to get them back.

“Last week, in what was a tighter game then I thought the scoreboard showed, I did think we missed the experience of Justin, Paul (Sykes) and Richie in that game.  To hopefully get two of them back for a tough tie, in a place that is always difficult to go in that the atmosphere the home fans create makes it a place that if you’re not on your guard can be difficult.

“Our league form has been okay now for a month.  I’d say that even though we went down last Friday, I still thought there were some very good areas of our game.  We feel that we can go there in the right frame of mind and ready for the challenge that’s in front of us.”

Earlier this week the Wildcats extended the contract of Andy Raleigh, the experienced prop committing his future to the club until the end of 2014 as Agar looks to main a consistency within his squad.

He hopes to be more news of extended deals for further players in the coming weeks.

“Hopefully we’ll have some news soon on that (new contracts).  We’ve been looking at the people that are out of contract and, in some cases, the people that have got time left but looking at extending them.

“We do feel we’ve got a core of a team that can help us travel forward, not just this year but next year and possibly beyond that as well.  So we’re very much trying to keep that together and keep moving forward.”

Agar’s full pre-match press conference where he also gives his views on the proposed Super League restructuring is available on our SoundCloud account by clicking HERE.

Due to the amount of car park passes sold for the 2013 season, there will no longer be the facility for supporters to pay to park on the main stadium car park on the day of a game.

Car parking is available at St Richards School, Archbishop Sentamu Academy and the former Annandale School which is located behind the KMS East Stand at MS3 Craven Park.

This is Wakefield. Together We Are Stronger.