Wakefield Trinity head to Wigan on Friday night knowing that a third straight loss will end their top two hopes, but also be a massive dent to their chances of landing a home play-off game.

With three minutes to go in the game against Leeds Rhinos in round 22, Trinity looked like genuine League Leaders Shield contenders; however, Leeds hit back to win and Wakefield have followed that up with a horror performance against St Helens.

They now sit fourth in Super League and a win for Hull KR on Tuesday night would see them slip to fifth, meaning they’re at risk of missing out on the consolation prize of a home play-off.

A win away at Wigan would change the narrative completely but Wakefield will be hard-pressed to do that given how many players are unavailable. Josh Rourke picked up a knee injury in the loss to Saints, Jazz Tevega has been banned, and the club fear Isaiah Vagana is done for the year after suffering a shoulder injury in the process of scoring.

Moreover, Jay Pitts (bicep rupture) is unlikely able to return whilst Seth Nikotemo has been granted a release on the basis of personal reasons back home down under, ensuring a difficult selection for Daryl Powell.

He will face the press later in the week to offer an update on injuries and his 21-man squad will come out at midday on Wednesday, but as it stands, here is what his starting line-up could look like on Friday.

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Predicting the Wakefield Trinity XIII to face Wigan Warriors

Full-back: Max Jowitt

With Josh Rourke going down with a knee injury just four minutes into that loss to St Helens, there will be understandable fears that he is not available for this one and that could see Max Jowitt recalled from the reserves.

Wingers: Jayden Myers and Lachlan Walmsley

Tom Johnstone missed out last week and was wearing a protective brace on his knee with the winger believed to have been sent for scans on Monday. Trinity have generally been reluctant to risk their star man and whilst this is a huge game, any risk this close to the play-offs is a big one so Myers and Walmsley could start again, though Oli Pratt has been pictured in training.

Centres: Cam Scott and Corey Hall

Hall filled in at full-back on the weekend and fared well but he’ll be glad of the return to his natural centre spot alongside Cam Scott.

Halves: Jake Trueman and Jack Sinfield

With Mason Lino still out of the picture, this duo will play again and hope that they can emulate their first-half showing against both Leeds and Saints, as opposed to their second-half showing.

Hooker: Tyson Smoothy

With Trinity so short in the fact, Smoothy could be a rogue choice at loose forward but he’s been brilliant at hooker and will surely start there before Harvey Smith’s introduction.

Props: Ky Rodwell and Tray Lolesio

With the second-row depth lacking, Mike McMeeken may be moved from prop, as was the case against Leeds, meaning that Tray Lolesio could start as he did against Leeds.

Second-row: Mike McMeeken and Zac Lipowicz

As mentioned, McMeeken may move to the second-row and he may be joined by a new face as Catalans’ Zac Lipowicz has signed for Trinity before the transfer deadline, adding plenty to a position the club need.

Loose forward: Matty Storton

Storton has played a handful of games at loose forward and with little other option on account of Pitts’ injury and Tevaga’s ban, the ex-Hull KR man could find himself in this role.

Interchanges: Harvey Smith, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Caius Faatili, Jordan Williams

The two powerful props of Hamlin-Uele and Faatili will add the impact that they always bring, whilst dummy-half Smith will offer relief for Smoothy, however, the fourth bench spot is the interesting one. Wakefield could carry another back with Will Tate an option that would allow Cam Scott to play in the second-row, or they may call on prop Jordan Williams, who played in round one but has played just once since – on loan for Batley last month.