Hard work finally begins to pay off for in-form Wakefield

The Australian was one of 17 players signed by coach Richard Agar – another newcomer – for the start of this season.

After an understandably difficult period settling in they are now Super League’s form team and could break into the play-offs on this penultimate weekend.

Following five successive wins, which leaves them just a point behind Bradford Bulls in the crucial eight spot, it is no surprise Sky TV have selected their fixture with Widnes Vikings as tomorrow night’s live broadcast match.

“We don’t take much notice of whether or not we are on Sky but I guess there is a buzz about this game and around the town,” said Collis, as Wakefield bid to reach the play-offs for only a second time in their history.

“Everybody you bump into is talking about how we are going so hopefully we will get a big crowd this weekend and we can entertain the supporters.

“It (the run) has been a reflection of the whole year. Obviously, with so many new players, it has taken us a while to find our structure and for us to gel together.

“But I think for the last five weeks we have really clicked and everything has fallen into place.

“I do think it’s a reflection of the hard work we have put in over the last seven or eight months and hopefully we can take that into the next two weeks.”

For all the rightful ambition of Wakefield, who have in Tim Smith arguably Super League’s leading current half-back, they are wary Widnes could derail their plans in an instant.

Denis Betts’s side may be bottom of Super League but they are desperately battling both Castleford Tigers and London Broncos to avoid the wooden spoon, enhancing their chances with a morale-boosting 42-16 win over Hull FC last time out.

Collis, who made his debut in the opening day televised win at Widnes after signing from Cronulla Sharks, said: “It is definitely a dangerous game.

“Widnes are a good side and we’ve watched the last three or four weeks. They have improved as the year has gone on.

“We can’t just expect to turn up and everything to happen.

“But I have always believed we have the talent in the side to do what we are doing now.

“It was frustrating when we weren’t getting results because there were always signs there and the fact it has happened now shows our hard work.

“It would be great to win these next two games (Salford next week) and sneak into the eight.

“I think we’d be a dangerous side and a team sides might not want to play as that would mean we’d have seven straight wins.

“Hopefully, we can shake a few feathers up.”