Mark Applegarth reveals decision on Wakefield Trinity trialists as he provides injury latest including Mason Lino update

The prop arrived at Belle Vue on a 28-day trial with compatriot Romain Franco at the end of last month but the pair experienced contrasting first outings for Trinity.

Whereas Franco scored a try in an impressive debut against Leeds Rhinos, Salabio was sent off for a spear tackle on Richie Myler and subsequently received a seven-game suspension.

Wakefield shrugged off Salabio's dismissal to claim their first victory of the season but the Frenchman will not be available until late August because of his indiscretion.

Applegarth is ready to hand Salabio a lifeline as the forward looks to establish himself in England.

"We're at a point now where we'd sign them until the end of the year for extra bodies," said Applegarth on the two trialists.

"Hugo is a big aggressive thing. It was just an unfortunate tackle but he's accepted it was reckless and irresponsible. He'll take his ban and learn from it.

"He was a breath of fresh air coming into training. We'll get through this ban and he'll be back in contention to play."

Wakefield's first win since last August came against the odds with a dozen players absent even before Salabio was given his marching orders.

Mason Lino was a late withdrawal ahead of the clash with Leeds after injuring his calf.

The half-back is targeting a return against Wigan Warriors on July 7.

"Mason has got a soleus strain," said Applegarth.

"That was a three-to-four-week injury. He'll probably be back the week after Salford at the start of July."

In the immediate aftermath of the game against the Rhinos, Applegarth teased the potential return of 12 players for Friday's trip to Hull KR.

Applegarth, who will be without suspended trio Salabio, Sam Hewitt and Sam Eseh at Craven Park, still expects to welcome back several players but admits some are touch and go.

"We'll have Josh Bowden back after his concussion," said Applegarth.

"Luke Gale is back after his groin injury and Reece Lyne is potentially back.

"Jai Whitbread, Renouf Atoni and Samisoni Langi are potentially back as well but it might just come a week too early for a couple."

Lewis Murphy and Kelepi Tanginoa are the names on the long-term casualty list.

Murphy saw his season cut short by an ACL injury in March, while Tanginoa – who has played just four times this year – is likely to be out until September after breaking his arm late last month.

"Kelepi has had surgery and is back in now," said Applegarth.

"We should get him back for the last two or three rounds. It's just an unfortunate one with Kelepi. He's as frustrated as anyone."

Applegarth is facing selection dilemmas as Wakefield prepare to return to action following a break for the Challenge Cup.

He has hinted that he will reward the bulk of the team that got Trinity over the line against Leeds.

"I've always said we ultimately try pick on performance," said Applegarth.

"It's definitely left a few positive selection headaches in certain positions which you'd rather have than struggling to name a team because you've got all your lads out injured.

"Morgan (Smith) especially was outstanding so he deserves to keep his spot. Will Dagger has been putting his hand up and playing wherever he's needed so he's showing his utility value.

"I've got some decent selection calls there for a change."

Meanwhile, Lee Gaskell has joined Bradford Bulls on a deal until the end of 2024 following his release by Wakefield.

The versatile back, who made 24 appearances in his 18 months with Trinity, returns to Odsal for a second spell after originally playing for the Bulls between 2014 and 2016.

Bradford football consultant Brian Noble has expressed his delight after helping the club see off strong competition to land Gaskell.

“It is a real coup and a measure of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes here at every level,” said Noble.

"Lee is a quality player, a Super League standard acquisition and the kind of person we need right now. I am absolutely thrilled and he will add a lot to this team.”

Gaskell links up with a Bradford side sat in fifth place in the Championship thanks to a five-match unbeaten run.

The 32-year-old is targeting a return to Super League with the Bulls.

“It is a massive honour to be here again," he said.

"I really enjoyed my time here last time and I played some of the best rugby in my career. I feel I have unfinished business here.

"There are high ambitions here and that’s one of the reasons I came. There were other offers but being at Bradford again really appealed to me.

"We have a shot with this team and quality to push for promotion and that is one of the things that appealed to me.”