Trinity tie up Chester deal
WAKEFIELD Trinity have announced a two-year contract extension for head coach Chris Chester.
The 38-year-old former Hull KR boss has been in charge of Trinity for just over 12 months and guided them to the top eight of Super League in his first season as well as the semifinals of the Challenge Cup.
They are currently eighth in the table after winning three of their last four matches.
Wakefield chairman Michael Carter said: “It is great news for Wakefield Trinity that Chris has committed to further years at this club.
“Being a local lad, Chris understands the mentality and practicalities of how this club operates. He is aware of the issues that we face and is more than happy to tackle those alongside us.
“He’s had an outstanding first year at this club and I look forward to him leading us from the front for the next two and a half years.”
Chester, who took Hull KR to Wembley in 2015 only to lose his job three games into last season, said: “I am delighted to have signed the deal and commit myself to a further two years at the club especially as it is my home-town club.
“This deal will provide us with a bit more stability – we can now concentrate on building the club even further.
“When I first joined it was discussed between myself and Michael that we would discuss my future around March.
“My objectives were to go as far as I could in the Challenge Cup and have a good run in the middle 8s; fortunately we were able to do one better and reach the top 8.
“The negotiations were very easy and over quite quickly, we both have the same thoughts of how we want the club to progress.
“I have a lot of support, not only from Michael Carter and Chris Brereton but from John Kear and my background staff who all work really hard behind the scenes to ensure the players are fit and perform to their best ability on the field.” ■■Denny Solomona has his sights on an England place following his controversial switch to rugby union.
The Sale winger has scored 11 tries in as many games this season for the Sharks after moving from Super League side Castleford.
That could potentially bring him onto Eddie Jones’ radar for the summer tour of Argentina, having completed a three-year residency period to qualify, and the New Zealand-born flyer would welcome the chance.
“Yes, 100 per cent,” he told the Times. “If the opportunity presents itself, I’ll take it with both hands.” Warrington Wolves v Hull FC (3pm), Leigh Centurions v Widnes Vikings (4pm), Catalans Dragons v Wakefield Trinity (6pm, Sky Sports 3 ) Barrow Raiders v Keighley (3pm), Gloucestershire All Golds v Workington Town (3pm), Newcastle Thunder v Crusaders (3pm), Oxford v London Skolars Underbank Rangers v Dewsbury Rams v Featherstone Rovers, Halifax v Swinton, Hull KR v Batley Bulldogs, Oldham v Bradford Bulls, Rochdale Hornets v Toulouse, Sheffield Eagles v London Broncos
Doncaster v Hunslet