Wakefield Trinity hit with another Covid positive - but Dave Fifita situation 'resolved'

Trinity, who had already seen three positive tests for the virus in the last fortnight, go up against Huddersfield Giants in Super League tomorrow.

However, the latest player affected was not due to take part in the contest.

Speaking today at his weekly press conference, Chester explained: "We have just had news that we had one positive test but for confidentially we can't say who that is.

"The player that is involved did the bare minimum over the last couple of days and he is not in the 21-man squad either.

"After the game last Thursday, the players had the Friday off and then trained on the Saturday and there was very little face-to-face contact.

"I am led to believe nothing has been flagged up on the track and trace but it is tough on the player, he has got to isolate for 10 days.

"He has to come back with a strict protocol; the seven-day protocol will rule him out for the Wigan game."

Trinity - who are on a five-game losing run and seen numerous players sit out for track and trace reasons - had to delay training this morning as they awaited their latest results.

“It is just crazy times," added Chester.

"We didn't get the tests back until 9.30am on Wednesday morning. Until then no-one was allowed into the training facility if they hadn't got their test back.

"We have got some strict protocols here that we are adhering to.

"We have got Jacob Miller back in the fold but he has got a strict seven-day protocol that he has got to stick to.

"Ti Arona is onto day three as is David Fifita and a couple of other guys have come back as well.

"We are pretty much in the same position as we were last week but we have got Tony Gigot and Romain Navarrete back.

“They picked up a bug but have been tested twice and both were negative."

Meanwhile, Austra;ian prop Fifita, who was stood down for refusing to wear a GPS vest, has had clear-the-air talks with the club’s hierarchy.

Chester said: “It has been resolved. He’s back in training.

“I wasn’t privy to the conversations that the CEO and chairman had with Dave and his agent but I’ve been told there’s been a real buy-in from Dave moving forward and it’s water under the bridge now.

“We look forward to getting Dave back to the form he was in at the start of last season.

“He’s back in training and it’s a real positive for everyone.”

Asked if it means he will wear a GPS tracker in future, Chester replied: “That means he HAS to wear a GPS tracker, yes.

“We need a buy-in from everybody and everybody includes David Fifita.

“But from what I’ve seen these last three days he’s working hard away from the group - training with the guys who have been away for Covid reasons - and I’m looking forward to seeing Dave get back out there sooner rather than later.”

Chester confirmed on-loan London Broncos prop Eddie Battye would debut tomorrow while England winger Tom Johnstone could return from injury against Wigan Warriors on Friday week.