Returning Wood is key to testing the leaders

That especially would not be a good tactic tomorrow considering it is Super League leaders Wigan Warriors, flying along on an 11-match winning run, who arrive at Belle Vue.

As Wakefield bid to avoid a fourth successive defeat, Agar has instead targeted an improvement in the side’s work ethic and, most pertinently perhaps given Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins’s constant threat, their kicking game.

He pinpointed that as a principal reason for the sizeable 49-24 defeat against Castleford Tigers a week ago which followed on quickly from a similarly underwhelming loss at Hull KR.

“Wigan is going to be a very tough one for us but they all are at the moment given the way the last couple of weeks have gone,” said Agar, Trinity having been 22-0 down inside just 26 error-ridden minutes versus Castleford.

“The most disappointing thing is we felt we were coming into a good and productive period and performances over the last two weeks have left us mightily disappointed.

“But they are a pretty determined bunch and it’s important we realise we’ve to keep working hard collectively and focusing on a couple of really simple areas where we need to do a hell of a lot better in.

“The time is not right for trying to reinvent ourselves – we’re not that laden with superstars to be able to do that – and we’re simply working on a couple of areas that should ensure we have a lot more energy for Wigan.”

Improving Wakefield’s kicking game could prove difficult, however, given injured scrum-half Tim Smith has joined stand-off Paul Sykes on the sidelines.

Kyle Wood, dropped last week, is recalled and much responsibility will rest on his shoulders when it comes to steering Trinity around.

That is easier said than done against Wigan.

Wakefield’s chances of victory were ruined by Justin Poore’s sending off when they met in early April, losing 44-24. Discipline will have to be there tomorrow and Agar added: “Wigan are the outstanding team with some of the most outstanding players but it’s a game where we have to front up.

“We wanted a response last week and instead got embarrassed. The only way to answer now is with a backs-to-the-wall performance.”

Frankie Mariano is recalled from his loan at Featherstone while Oliver Wilkes, Vince Mellars, Matty Wildie and Lucas Walshaw all also hoping for a chance.