Wakefield Trinity owner Matt Ellis has confirmed the reason why his club pulled out of the race to sign Xavier Va’a.
Wakefield were heavily linked with a move for Va’a, who has been released from his playing contract by NRL side Sydney Roosters ahead of a proposed switch to Super League. But Va’a will not be making the move to West Yorkshire any time soon with the club opting not to go ahead with the deal.
Various reports have since suggested that Va’a is on his way to York Knights, with the forward set to join the newly promoted outfit.
And, Ellis has now moved to explain why Wakefield opted not to go ahead with the deal, with his concussion history ultimately being decisive.
However, while speaking with the Yorkshire Post, Serious About Rugby League’s sister site, Ellis admitted Wakefield are on the lookout for an experienced head to add to Daryl Powell’s group.
Matt Ellis gives Wakefield Trinity update
“We’ve still got a bit of space left for one more signing to complete the squad – but we’ve got to get it right,” Ellis told the Yorkshire Post.
“The Va’a one was difficult. We felt the lad had potential but he’s one concussion away from a 12-week stint off.
“Whilst he’s a good prospect and there was still a consideration to take a punt on it, we’ve only got one place left and realistically he isn’t going to go through a season without a concussion. It was too much of a risk.
“We want to add someone who takes us forward rather than just filling out the squad. If an experienced player comes up, like Joe Ofahengaue who signed for Leigh in the early part of the season, that would be the ideal signing because we’ve got a lot of young players.”
Wakefield have made seven signings ahead of the start of the new Super League season with Tyson Smoothy and Jazz Tevaga being the most high profile pair. Tray Lolesio, Jack Sinfield, Will Tate, Jordan Williams and Kian McGann have also joined the club as Powell’s side strive to build on their play-off finish of 2025.
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