Chris Chester faces a dilemma at Wakefield Trinity

WAKEFIELD Trinity head coach Chris Chester says he has a big decision to get “right” ahead of their game at Salford Red Devils.
Alex Walker of WakefieldAlex Walker of Wakefield
Alex Walker of Wakefield

Although he has a raft of players coming back to fitness, with forward trio Chris Green, Jordan Crowther and George King all expected to return, Chester still has a conundrum at half-back.

Danny Brough has been sidelined since the opening night loss at Hull KR and, though he is nearing a comeback, Sunday’s fixture may come too soon.

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Moreover, his replacement Ryan Hampshire broke his jaw against Castleford last week - when centre Joe Arundel was ruled out for the season with an ACL injury - so captain Jacob Miller will be set for a third new half-back partner in just four games.

Academy product Connor Bailey could make his debut or - with full-back Alex Walker fit to resume - Max Jowitt might switch from No 1.

“We’ve tried both Connor Bailey and Max Jowitt at half during the week,” admitted Chester.

“I thought Connor had a fantastic game in the reserves who I went to watch on Sunday so both guys are in contention.

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“We’ve tried these two young kids and I just have to make sure I get the decision right.

“It’s disappointing news with the players out but we’ve just got to get on with it.”

Last season’s beaten Grand Finalists Salford have not had the easiest start to the new season, losing three of their opening four games.

Chester, though, is not being lulled into thinking they are a spent force now that the likes of Man of Steel Jackson Hastings and Great Britain second-row Josh Jones have moved on.

“They have still got a really good work ethic,” he said.

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“I think that is one thing they have in abundance; they want to work hard.

“They don’t want to let their team-mates down and you can see that from all their performances this year.

“They have got a new spine, a new team and brought in a lot of new players.”

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