The Wakefield Trinity forward is aiming to make history in just his fourth game for the club – Total Rugby League

WAKEFIELD striker Luke Bain is making a late bid for Wembley – and says the chance to play at the national stadium has put Daryl Powell’s entire squad in step.

The Trinity boss, who piloted his side to the Cup final in 1895 and a first appearance at the national stadium in 1979, is no stranger to the venue as a player or coach.

Powell was on the pitch at Wembley for Leeds’ Challenge Cup final victory over the London Broncos in 1999, having helped Great Britain beat New Zealand in 1993 and Australia in 1994, before introducing England to the Kangaroos in the opening match of the 1995 World Cup.

And he watched from the sidelines as Castleford reached the Challenge Cup final in 2014, when they were beaten by Leeds and 2021 (beaten by St Helens).

It is a sign of the quality and experience in a pool game now funded by wealthy owner Matt Ellis that former Challenge Cup finalists Josh Bowden, Luke Gale, Josh Griffin, Derrell Olpherts and Iain Thornley, as well as Lachlan Walmsley and 1895 Cup winner with Halifax last year, all of whom have previously played at Wembley.

But that hasn’t dampened their desire to return – and give their peers who haven’t already had the privilege a chance to run under the arch.

Bain – born in the US, raised in Australia, where he played in the Parramatta Eels system and for Queensland Cup side Brisbane Tigers, and a Scotland international by heritage – was not available for Wakefield’s previous Cup links in 1895 at the time who was working his way back from a long-term Achilles tendon injury.

But he is fit and firing now – and would love to be in the line-up for the Sheffield clash.

Bain made a debut off the bench in last month’s 46-22 win over Swinton at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, while Powell’s men claimed another second-tier scalp in a campaign where they hope that he would bring glory to both the 1895 Cup and the Championship Grand Final. underline their credentials for a return to Super League under the IMG Club Rating System.

And he explained: “Getting to Wembley brought even more positivity to the team after a good start to the season.

“There’s always going to be a lot of competition for places in a group like us here, but this has just added to it. Everyone wants a place in that line.”

Bain, who is under contract until 2025, says it is good to be back in action for the first time in twelve months.

“It’s been a lot of work behind the scenes in rehab and some moments, so it’s great to be there,” he added.

“Scoring a try at home on debut was something I couldn’t have scripted better and I really want to build on that and help this great club forward.”

First published in League Express Newspaper Issue 3433 (27 May 2024)

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