There is good news and bad news for Wakefield Trinity ahead of Thursday’s huge home derby with Leeds Rhinos.

Wakefield assistant coach Michael Shenton admitted the loss of forward Caleb Hamlin-Uele to a calf muscle problem is another “big blow” in what has been a “torrid” campaign injury-wise, but stressed Trinity will be boosted by the return of hugely impressive young centre Oliver Pratt.

“Caleb is massive for us,” Shenton said at Wakefield’s weekly preview press conference today (Wednesday).

“He has picked up a calf injury in training, which isn’t like him at all. He is one of our most durable players, but we are having a bit of a torrid run with stuff like that at the moment.

“We’re not sure how significant or bad it is yet, but he is definitely out of contention for the next couple of games.

“It is a big blow for us because he has been awesome this year, but it gives an opportunity for someone else to come in and take his spot on the bench.”

Injury issues continue for Wakefield Trinity

Hamlin-Uele was previously sidelined with a shoulder problem and Shenton added: “He came back the same as when he left, still in top form.

“He worked really hard when he was out injured, the minutes he has played since he has been here is incredible and his work ethic is awesome. We’ll support him through this injury, it is not too bad, hopefully.”

Hooker Thomas Doyle has also been ruled out of tomorrow’s game after suffering a rib injury playing in the reserves.

“This season has just been littered with that kind of stuff,” Shenton reflected. “Tommy has been unfortunate, he puts himself about and is really physical and I think that has caught up with him a bit. It shouldn’t be too long, it’s just a knock.”

In addition, Wakefield have also lost front-rower Isaiah Vagana to suspension after a grade C charge from last week’s win at Huddersfield Giants took him past the penalty point threshold for a one-match ban.

Shenton admitted: “It is what it is. It is just another challenge for us – ideally Caleb would step up into that slot, but that’s the game and it’s why we’ve got a deep squad.

“Someone has got to step up and fill that one as well. It is challenging, but we have still got a really strong team out.”

Tom Johnstone injury uncertainty remains

On the positive side, Pratt has been one of the season’s break-out stars and has made a faster than expected recovery from a hip injury.

“It’s great to have Pratty back,” Shenton stressed. “He has come late into contention, we were expecting him back after the break, but he has trained really well and come through his injury fast. Last time we played Leeds he was very dangerous, he is having a great season, so it’s timely for him to come back into contention.”

Wakefield are still without England winger Tom Johnstone, because of a groin problem. Providing an update, Shenton stated: “That’s still up in the air.

“We’re not expecting him back in the coming weeks. He was in a bit of a pickle and we’re no further forward with it really.

“There’s signs of improvement, he is moving a lot better, he is in training, but we’ve got no idea when he’ll be back.

“We’re waiting on a specialist for a plan because it’s quite a unique one, but hopefully it won’t be too long. It would be nice for us to get him back out there sooner rather than later.”

🫡 Your Trinity 21-Man Squad to face Leeds Rhinos in the huge West Yorkshire Derby Decider!!

Daryl Powell has been forced into three changes as he welcomes Oliver Pratt, Oliver Russell and Noah High back into the squad!!

👉🏻 https://t.co/HKdeh6pkRB#UpTheTrin pic.twitter.com/luyEwkg0DH

— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) July 22, 2025