Hull FC v Wakefield Trinity: Chester backs Grix to silence his critics

He blotted an otherwise impressive performance with a defensive error in the closing stages of Trinity’s game against St Helens last Thursday which resulted in a potentially costly defeat.

Chester sprung to the defence of the 33-year-old Ireland international in the post-match press conference but that did not prevent the player coming under intense criticism on social media.

“He copped some ridiculous stick and what disappointed me more than anything was the stick that he’s received from his own fans from behind the keyboard,” said Chester, ahead of tonight’s crucial Super 8s game at Hull FC.

“I’m very disappointed to be associated with those Wakefield fans. Some of it has been just disgusting which I wouldn’t expect from any fan, never mind our own.

“He’s probably been our best player this year and he didn’t deserve the abuse and criticism that he got. First and foremost Grixy is a very good rugby league player and off the field he’s a very good person as well.

“But that’s been put to bed now. Grixy will play this week. He’s regularly been in the top two or three players every single week this year and he’ll want to make amends for last week.”

Despite their last-gasp defeat by Saints, Chester’s men still have their fate in their own hands, knowing victory tonight and at home to Wigan on Saturday week will secure a maiden play-off semi-final.

Elsewhere, League 1 champions Toronto Wolfpack have shown their Super League ambitions with four major signings. Canberra’s ex-Australia second-row David Taylor, St George Illawarra half-back Josh McCrone, Warrington Wolves’ Fiji prop Ashton Sims and Salford’s Olsi Krasniqi have all joined for 2018.

Thomas Bosc, the 34 year-old France international who has spent his entire career with Catalans Dragons, is to retire.

Leeds Rhinos’ Liam Sutcliffe has signed new four-year deal.