Turn the clock back three months or so and there seemed to be little doubt about which Super League club would miss out on a licence on July 26.
The announcement that Wakefield were to enter in administration back in February led most rugby league fans to predict that the Wildcats’ time in Super League was coming to an end.
However, it now appears that things may not be that clear cut.
Few would have blamed the Wildcats new owner, Andrew Glover, had he spoken of “consolidation”, “rebuilding” and “coming back stronger” upon completing his takeover. After all, Trinity were widely believed to be near-certainties to start the 2012 season in the Championship. They had no money, no ground and arguably the weakest squad in the competition.
But Glover, a wealthy Wakefield-supporting window salesman, has had a hugely positive impact on the club since assuming control. A new membership scheme has been launched, attendances are improving and new players have arrived.
Without their points deduction for entering administration, John Kear’s side would be ninth in the table. That would place them above Salford, Harlequins, Bradford, Hull KR and Crusaders, Wakefield’s opponents this evening.
Crusaders are currently sat at the foot of Super League and are perhaps the club most at threat from the revitalised Wildcats.
The Wrexham-based club has attracted only one crowd in excess of 5,000 from their first five home games this season. At the same stage of last season they had attracted four.
New coach Iestyn Harris has also struggled to match the on-field achievements of his predecessor, Brian Noble. His side have conceded 40 points on more in five matches and have recorded just three wins so far. Defeat this evening would leave them six points behind the Wildcats.
The inclusion of Crusaders in Super League has been debated at length and there has been much speculation over the RFL’s financial commitment to the club by way of a loan secured against the Racecourse. This has caused some to believe that whatever happens on and off the field, Crusaders place in the elite is secure.
However, I am not convinced that is the case and neither are the Crusaders, who continue to work hard to grow their crowds, increase their revenue and improve their on-field performance.
A victory tonight will go a long way to restoring some of the faith that has been lost since last season but Wakefield will provide a stern test. Despite lacking star quality, their young side have won half of their last six games in Super League. The other three games resulted in defeats to Huddersfield, St Helens and Wigan – all currently in the top-four.
Tonight’s game should be an intriguing one and, although the home side will start as favourites, it is hard to ignore Wakefield’s new found vigour.
Read my report from the match this evening on Love Rugby League
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