JOWITT: START AT MAX POWER
Wakefield v Widnes
MAX JOWITT has warned Wakefield against underestimating rockbottom Widnes, as the pressure builds on Trinity to avoid getting dragged into the Qualifiers.
Catalans’ shock win at Leeds on Wednesday means that just two points now separate sixthplaced Wakefield and the French side in ninth.
Missing out on the top eight would mean a relegation scrap for the bottom four against four in-form Championship teams in the Qualifiers – and Jowitt wants Wakefield well clear.
They are heavy favourites against a Widnes side that has won just three times all season but the 21-year-old fullback is wary of ambush.
Jowitt said: “We spoke about it at training – they have had some good performances, like against Saints at Magic Weekend, and Wigan as well.
“If we turn up with the wrong attitude, like we did against Warrington last week in the first 25 minutes, they’ll probably turn us over.
“But we’ve learned our lesson from last week. It’s hard to come back from going 20 points down.
“We need to be switched on when that first whistle goes. We’ve addressed it in training, and we’re ready to go.
“We’re pushing for those sixth, fifth, fourth spots – but there’s a lot of competition in Super League. Even the bottom four teams, including Widnes, are not easy beats and can turn anyone over.”
Jowitt – who has followed in the footsteps of dad Ian by playing for Trinity – last week penned a new three-year deal at the club, a reward for his recent performances back in the side.
He said: “It’s good for me, it gives me a chance to try to secure a spot at full-back.
“Unfortunately, Scott Grix injured his shoulder and had an operation and I got a chance to step up.
“You never know what might have happened if he didn’t get injured.
“While I can, I’m just trying to play and improve, and hopefully I can cement my spot.
“All I needed was game time, whether that’s here, going out on loan or in the reserves.
“I’ve got plenty of time now, and I’m secure for the next three years now at Wakefield.
“My dad played for Wakefield and I’ve been here since I left school.
“People write Wakefield off and we’re always the underdogs, and I like that pressure.
“I think this club’s going in the right direction.”
Widnes make seven changes from the team beaten by Salford with key men Gil Dudson and Krishna Inu back from long-term injury.
Captain Chris Houston is banned after being sent off for clapping referee James Child, while Wakefield make just one change with James Batchelor coming in for Justin Horo.