Trinity dominate region rivals after controversial sending-off
Wakefield Trinity turned a potentially season-defining moment into a statement of intent on Friday, outclassing local rivals Castleford Tigers 52-14 at the DIY Kitchens Stadium despite spending almost an hour a man light.
The contest was tilted by the dismissal of Trinity forward Matty Storton, who was sent off in the 23rd minute for a shoulder charge to the head of Castleford’s Alex Mellor. The decision left the home side down to 12 men for the majority of the match, yet they responded in emphatic fashion, scoring repeatedly while the visitors could do little but watch.
- Scoreline: Wakefield Trinity 52 — Castleford Tigers 14
- Venue: DIY Kitchens Stadium
- Key performers: Tom Johnstone, Jake Trueman, Caius Faatili
Wakefield’s coaching team and players regrouped quickly after the sending-off. Coach Daryl Powell called the red card “harsh” but praised his players for the manner in which they adjusted and dominated both with and without the extra man.
“I thought it was a phenomenal performance… What a performance from a 12-man team for a large part of the game.”
Those were Powell’s words after the game, highlighting the response at the end of the first half and start of the second which he described as “unbelievable”. He singled out half-back Jake Trueman — “Truey” — for controlling the match in the second half, and commended the whole side for their execution and aerial work.
How the game turned
Storton actually opened the scoring for Trinity before the sending-off. After the dismissal the visitors briefly led 10-6, but Wakefield’s resilience showed through. The hosts then produced a sustained spell of pressure and scored repeatedly, with Tom Johnstone among those causing problems down the wing and Caius Faatili adding his trademark efforts against Castleford.
Powell also confirmed that prop Mike McMeeken picked up a knock and finished the game with reduced numbers after suffering a back issue which left Wakefield with 11 on the field at the finish.
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Red card | Matty Storton, 23rd minute — shoulder contact to head |
| Late injury | Mike McMeeken — back knock, finished with 11 men |
Players and selection notes
On the teamsheet, Wakefield welcomed back Max Jowitt, Corey Hall and Ky Rodwell. Krystian Mapapalangi replaced Semi Valemei in the side. Castleford were without George Lawler.
The win extended the gulf between the two West Yorkshire clubs — Wakefield having inflicted a heavy defeat on Castleford at Magic Weekend less than three weeks earlier. For Castleford, the result was particularly hard to take given they had produced an impressive victory over league leaders Leeds just five days previously.
Local context and consequences
For Wakefield supporters it was the sort of result that lifts the mood around the club — a comprehensive local victory, delivered under testing circumstances. The manner of the win will hearten fans and the dressing room alike; beating your nearest neighbours heavily is always sweet, and to do it while reduced in numbers adds a touch of Yorkshire stubbornness.
For Castleford, the reverse is a setback and will raise questions about consistency. Beating a top side one week and being blown away the next is the sort of form that makes life difficult for coaches trying to build momentum.
Powell was sympathetic about the red card decision. He noted Storton has had similar incidents this season and expressed frustration at the interpretation, saying sometimes the ball carrier “dips” late and that the outcome has gone against his player on more than one occasion.
Looking ahead, Trinity will hope the win provides a platform to push up the table and build confidence. There will also be attention on the fitness of McMeeken and on any disciplinary outcome for Storton’s dismissal. For now, though, Wakefield’s fans could enjoy a derby night where the scoreboard did most of the talking.
