Huddersfield Giants v Wakefield Trinity: Bill Tupou looking to lay foundations for next year

Trinity are effectively out of the running for a semi-final place and Tupou believes that will give them the freedom to express themselves over the final five games of the Super-8s, beginning at bogey club Huddersfield Giants tonight.

Trinity have lost their last four matches at John Smith’s Stadium and been beaten in three of the four meetings between the two sides this year.

Huddersfield, on a six-match winning run, could yet force their way into the top-four, which means they can’t afford any slip-ups.

“There’s no pressure on us because there’s probably no chance of us making the top-four now,” observed Tupou.

“They are most likely the only team outside the four that could still make it in there so all the pressure is on them.

“But we would still like to finish this year good and win a few games over the last five. That would definitely help us going into next year.”

Tupou added: “It has been a tough year playing against them, but we’re looking forward to it and, hopefully, we can stop them in their tracks.

“It’s going to be a tough one, but we’re going to try and get on top of them.

“They’ve been in great form the last few months, but we just need to do what we do best and come out with a win.”

Trinity began round three of the Super-8s in sixth place and Tupou feels inconsistency in games is what has cost them a shot at the semi-finals.

He said: “We’ve had a few close games that could have gone both ways.

“I think we just need to rectify that and focus on playing the full 80 minutes. That’s what we need to fix up.

“We’ve been talking about it going into these last five games and, hopefully, getting better at is before the season ends.

“Hopefully, we can then take it into next year.”

Tupou’s impressive form this season has made him a dark horse for a place in the Super League Dream Team, which will be announced next month.

“It is good to hear people are recognising how I’ve been playing,” he said. “This year’s my first full year when I’ve not missed a game. I am proud of that and, hopefully, I can finish off the last few games unscathed.”