Mark Applegarth backs Wakefield Trinity stalwart Reece Lyne to rediscover best form ahead of testimonial

The centre made his comeback on Boxing Day after missing the second half of last season with an ankle injury and marked the occasion with a try.

Lyne, who has made over 200 appearances for Trinity since joining from Hull FC ahead of the 2013 season, will be front and centre when Halifax Panthers visit Belle Vue this weekend.

Applegarth has seen enough to suggest Lyne can get back to the level that saw him earn a second England cap in 2021.

"I'm really happy that he's got this testimonial," Applegarth told The Yorkshire Post.

"He's been a great servant to Wakefield Trinity. How he's grown as a person from when he first came, anyone who's been at the club for a few years would say they're really proud of him.

"A fit and healthy Reece Lyne is a massive addition to any team. With how he's been training this pre-season, he looks like he's getting back to his best.

"Hopefully he can put himself in contention to get his England shirt back. If he's in that sort of form, it can only be good for us."

Lyne is preparing for his 14th season at Super League level but only recently turned 30.

Applegarth believes there is much more to come from a player who is part of the fabric at Belle Vue.

"It's not only what he offers you in terms of playing ability, which is there for everyone to see, he's a big personality behind the scenes as well," added Applegarth.

"It's the leadership he offers you. When he speaks, people listen.

"He's still got a good few years left in him yet if he looks after himself, which I'm sure he will."

Lyne will lead a strong team against Halifax that features new signings Samisoni Langi and Kevin Proctor for the first time.

With the likes of Corey Hall and Kelepi Tanginoa to come back in, Applegarth is happy with his options.

"A few people I've spoken to have asked me if that's my strongest team," he said. "It is a strong team but I wouldn't be able to tell you what my strongest team is yet if I'm honest.

"There's a few 50/50 calls. Some of it is just giving everybody what they need and making sure that they're feeling ready to play come Catalans.

"An example is the winger situation. I gave Lee Kershaw and Lewis Murphy a run-out on Boxing Day because Tom (Lineham) had the flu and Jorge (Taufua) had a couple of weeks to see his family back home in Australia.

"This week we're giving those two a run-out and Kershaw and Murphy will play the second half."