Wakefield Trinity bolster depleted squad with addition of Wigan Warriors youngster

The 19-year-old helps plug the gap left by Liam Hood after he sustained a head injury in last week's defeat at Salford Red Devils.

Forber is due to train with Trinity for the first time on Wednesday with a view to making his debut when Hull KR visit Belle Vue on Friday night.

The teenager – Wakefield’s second loan addition following the recent arrival of Sam Hewitt – caught Applegarth's eye playing for Wigan reserves against Wakefield at the end of 2022.

"With Liam Hood missing this weekend through concussion, it was important we got some depth in that position," said Applegarth, who is also without Max Jowitt, Lee Gaskell, Kelepi Tanginoa, Josh Bowden and Lewis Murphy.

"I was really impressed by Tom when he played in the Reserves Grand Final last year and when he made his Super League debut. I'm looking forward to welcoming him to the club and delighted he's on board."

Forber, who made his Super League bow against Rovers last August, has gained further experience during loan stints with Oldham, Newcastle Thunder and Whitehaven.

"I'm really looking forward to meeting all the boys at training and ripping in," he said.

"It’s a step up for me from playing in reserves and being out on loan in the Championship so I'm keen to get stuck in and do what I can for the team.

"I had a taste of Super League last season and that's made me hungry for more opportunities so to come here and get some game time is something I'm really excited about."