Wakefield Trinity v Catalans Dragons: Daryl Powell talks up importance of 'absolutely pivotal' period

Wakefield face home dates with Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos either side of trips to Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants in July – an opportunity for points that Powell is determined not to let slip.

"The next four weeks are absolutely pivotal for us in terms of being in the top six and being genuine contenders as we roll towards the latter end of the season," he said. "We know there's a bit riding on what we are doing over the next month."

Wakefield ran Leeds and Leigh Leopards close before getting their rewards against Wigan.

Trinity then had Hull KR where they wanted them last week, only to run out of steam as their injury problems caught up with them.

"I think we’ve competed really well," added Powell.

"We've played all the top four in our last four games and been there or thereabouts, apart from the second half last week.

"We are in a great place and it's a great opportunity for us over the next month to get some players back and start to play how we know we can."

Wakefield, who welcome back Mike McMeeken and Caleb Hamlin-Uele on Saturday, are four points better off than the Dragons and know a win at Belle Vue would deal a major blow to the French side's slim play-off hopes.

Catalans' poor form continued in the aftermath of Steve McNamara's departure before they arrested their slide with a 32-0 rout of Huddersfield.

After watching the Dragons end their seven-match losing run last weekend, Powell has warned his team to expect the best of their visitors.

"It'll be physical," he said.

"They've been through a period where they weren't scoring points and were rattled after Steve left. They look like they have stabilised and took Huddersfield apart a bit last week.

"They have a very big, physical middle unit and some very explosive players, lots of offloads, so they are a dangerous team. They've got some intelligence in there in Luke Keary and Sam Tomkins who can pick a team apart.

"We know it is going to be a tough game but I think it is a key game for both clubs. I'd expect it to be high intensity, high quality."