Reece Lyne hopes his medical issue is now “resolved” and he can return to bolster under-pressure Wakefield.
The England international has missed the club’s last two games due to the unspecified problem. Troubled Trinity were kept pointless in both, getting hammered 60-0 by Wigan and then falling to an 8-0 loss against Huddersfield. New head coach Mark Applegarth is still awaiting his first win after his side also lost their Super League opener versus Catalans.
So he’ll be pleased that Lyne’s eyeing up a potential return in Friday’s West Yorkshire derby with Leeds Rhinos at Headingley. On his enforced absence, the experienced centre explained: “I’ve just had a private medical issue. I’ve been missing for a few weeks but hopefully it’s all resolved now and I can get back on the field.
“It’s pretty irrelevant really and I just want to get back playing. It’s been tough (watching) and I’m looking forward to hopefully getting out with the boys and kick-starting our season.”
In their latest setback, Wakefield are without Lewis Murphy after they confirmed today the prolific young winger - linked with a move to Sydney Roosters in 2024 - has been ruled out for the entire season with a ruptured ACL. It's certainly been a baptism of fire for Applegarth since he stepped up from assistant to become the youngest boss in Super League. Lyne, 30, said: “It’s obviously Mash’s first experience as a head coach in a professional environment.
“But all the boys are behind him and supporting him and he’s got our full backing. It’s been a fairly tough opening few games but we’re really looking forward to going to Headingley on Friday and hopefully getting the two points.”
Leeds, though, will be full of confidence after picking up their maiden win - an epic 25-24 success at newly-crowned World Club champions St Helens. That came after defeats against Hull and Warrington. Lyne, currently celebrating his testimonial season, added: “They’ve had a bit of an up and down start but watching that Hull game, it was theirs to win. They bombed a few chances.
“The result last week shows you what this league is about. Not many would have tipped Leeds to win at Saints. You have to be on your game every week otherwise you get found out.”
And Wakefield - relegation favourites in 2023 - have to get their act together quickly. Long-serving Lyne said: “We know things can snowball. Confidence can drop so it’s just important we put in the performances that enable us to keep that confidence and belief in each other. It’s still early in the season. There's only been three games played so there is a long way to go. We just have to keep training hard and hopefully turn that into performances on the pitch on game day.”
