Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell expects Isaiah Vagana to miss the remainder of the Super League season through injury.
The forward picked up a calf issue in last week’s win over Huddersfield Giants and after he was assessed earlier this week, the Wakefield head coach has revealed he will be sidelined until next season.
Vagana has picked up one or two minor injuries this season but he has still made 22 appearances in all competitions for the Trin and he’s certainly looked the part in his first season as a Super League player.
However, the 25 year old will be focusing on pre-season now with Powell hoping that he can return bigger and better for the 2026 season.
Wakefield Trinity boss provides Isaiah Vagana update
“It’s not great,” Powell said on Vagana’s injury. “He’s likely to miss the remainder of the season I think.
“It’s a calf soleus tendon injury. It’s disappointing for us. I think he’s been in decent form and growing so it’s disappointing but part of the game.
“He’s had a couple of injuries here and there, it’s been an up and down season for him. First year in Super League, he’s had a look at it now and he’s set his sights on a big pre-season and then come back in greater physical shape. I think he’s going to grow.
“The one thing about Isaiah is that he hasn’t had that many pre-seasons in a professional environment so I think this pre-season will be awesome for him and he’ll come back bigger and stronger and he’s telling me he’ll be bigger and stronger next year so I’m looking forward to it.”
Asked who Vagana’s injury opens the door for, Powell said: “I think it’s Seth [Nikotemo] really. Seth played last week and he’s been in and out of the team. I thought he was excellent last week.
“Griff didn’t play last week but he comes back in and around it this week. I think Seth’s the one who will profit most from it to get more opportunities in the back-row.”
While Vagana has dropped out of the squad, Jack Croft has been brought back into the reckoning for this week’s clash with Castleford Tigers. The forward spent last week on loan with Salford Red Devils and was named in the Red Devils side for this week’s game before being recalled.
“It’s just a late one really,” Powell said when explaining his decision. “I just decided to bring him back. We’re a little bit skinny so I just decided to bring him back in.”
