Powell Backs Johnstone as 3 Exit Wakefield Squad — Rhinos Vs Trinity
Wakefield Trinity took three names out of their extended 21-man squad for rhinos vs trinity, but Daryl Powell said Tom Johnstone’s ankle issue is not a major problem. The winger, who has seven tries in six outings this season, had a jab in the ankle area and is being handled as a precaution.
Powell on Johnstone
Powell tried to shut down long-term worry around Johnstone by saying the winger’s problem is limited to the ankle area and tied to a couple of niggles he has been carrying. Johnstone had surgery on a knee issue during the off-season before the 2026 campaign, then returned to form with those seven tries in six outings, so Wakefield have been careful with how they manage him.
“He just had a jab in the ankle area that will hopefully settle down a little problem he’s been having,” Powell said. “He’s been having a couple of problems with his knee and ankle, but it’s nothing major.”
Wakefield Trinity changes
Johnstone was one of three players to drop out of the squad for Friday night’s clash with Leeds Rhinos, along with Seth Nikotemo and Ellis Lingard. Nikotemo was out after being knocked out last week and going through concussion protocols, leaving Wakefield to shuffle a group that had already been stretched by injuries.
Max Jowitt remains out with an Achilles issue that has kept him sidelined since Wakefield Trinity’s Challenge Cup defeat to Wigan Warriors. Powell’s selection picture is tight enough that he said the absences are real, but he did not hide behind them.
Leeds Rhinos test
“There’s no hoodwinking, really, but we’ve got a couple of boys who have a few bits that are keeping them out,” he said. “Not too much (change), I don’t think,” he added on the squad reshuffle. He also pointed to the scale of the task ahead, saying Leeds are the team of the competition at the moment and that Wakefield are facing a side with everyone fit.
The relief point for Wakefield is the schedule after Friday night. Powell said, “I think everybody should be pretty much available after that (Challenge Cup break),” which gives the club a short runway before the squad should begin to thicken again. For now, the immediate job is getting through Leeds without adding to a list that already includes Johnstone, Nikotemo and Jowitt.
