Wakefield Wildcats' Mazive praised after putting tragedy aside

Wakefield’s injury-ravaged side were crushed 60-12 at Wigan Warriors in their opening Super-8s fixture less than a week after a 56-12 Challenge Cup semi-final beating by Warrington Wolves.

But Chester handed 18-year-olds Judah Mazive and Frazer Morris a debut at DW Stadium and Jordan Crowther, 19, featured in both games, giving Chester hope for the future.

All three are products of Trinity’s academy and another youngster, James Batchelor, played for England in both Tests on this month’s Australian tour.

Mazive had to fly home early from the tour following the death of his father and Chester said: “He didn’t look out of place last week. He trained with us through the week, we asked him if he was okay and he wanted to play. That’s a credit to him and his family as well. It is not a nice thing to happen and it puts a lot of things into perspective, but he is a lovely kid, he tried his socks off and it’s a shame we didn’t have another 16 blokes with him.

“It showed the toughness and character of the kid. Frazer didn’t look out of place either and he is one for the future. He has been consistent for the Under-19s and we’ve signed him on a full-time deal for the next year or two.

“He has got a lot of learning to do, but he works hard on his game and it’s nice to give these players their debut.

“Young Jordy also really stood up. They are three young guys who’ve still got another year in under-19s football, so the future of this club looks pretty bright.”

Chester hopes Wakefield’s injury crisis will have eased by Sunday, but hinted he could give the youngsters another opportunity. He said: “It’s the senior players who let us down on Friday, not the young guys.”