Scott Moore believes Sunday’s game against Hull FC is the ideal opportunity to gauge the true standing of Wakefield’s season, after admitting that their recent victories have been against under-strength opposition.
Wakefield have won their last four games to rise to within touching distance of the Super League’s top eight under their new coach Chris Chester, including impressive victories against Wigan and Huddersfield.
However, Moore has conceded that both of those sides were heavily depleted when they faced the Wildcats, which is why he says the Hull game is a real test of his side’s recent form.
“We’ve knocked a few wins out and aren’t leaking as many points, so we’re going reasonably well but there’s still loads to improve on,” the hooker said. “Hull will be a pretty good test as the last four league games we’ve played, we’ve been good, but the opponents have not been at full strength. This game will be a better reflection of where we are at.”
The Wildcats are yet to lose since Chester assumed control of his hometown club last month, and Moore admits that life under the former Hull KR coach has been far more comfortable than the “erratic” tenure of former coach Brian Smith. “He’s sorted our defence out and given us a structure to play with that gives us a little bit of a free rein too,” Moore said.
“Everyone knows what they are doing. It was a bit up in the air at times under Brian – he could be a bit erratic at times – but what Chezzy has done suits us down to the ground.”
Sunday’s other game sees Hull Kingston Rovers travel to Castleford, with James Webster’s side seeking to respond positively after last weekend’s shock Challenge Cup exit to Oldham.
However, the Castleford coach, Daryl Powell, is not interested in the lack of noise emanating from the KR camp – their players have been on a media ban – and is instead calling on his side to focus on their own preparation as they look to keep pace with the top four.
“The next two games are absolutely key for us,” Powell said. “I see Hull KR have stopped their players talking to the press so they will be after something big from their group on the field.
“We need to concentrate on ourselves though; we’ve not played at home a lot this year so we’re looking for our home form to be the catalyst for us to go on a run.”
Powell is likely to hand a debut to the forward Larne Patrick, who was signed on loan from Huddersfield last week. He could be a direct replacement for fellow forward Oliver Holmes, who has been ruled out due to injury.
