Wakefield Trinity v Hull FC: Scott Moore and Wildcats ready to test mettle

WAKEFIELD Trinity hooker Scott Moore believes tomorrow's performance against Hull FC will be a true indicator of how far his club have really improved.
Scott Moore is hitting form with Wakefield after undergoing surgery on his biceps.Scott Moore is hitting form with Wakefield after undergoing surgery on his biceps.
Scott Moore is hitting form with Wakefield after undergoing surgery on his biceps.

They are on a five-match winning run since Chris Chester replaced Brian Smith as head coach last month, lifting hopes of a potential top-eight finish for last season’s bottom side.

But Moore, the former England international who has aided their renaissance since returning from biceps surgery, admits the jury is still out.

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“We’re playing all right,” he said. “We’ve knocked a few wins out and aren’t leaking as many points so we’re going reasonably but there’s still loads to improve on.

Hull will be a pretty good test as the last four (league) games we’ve played we’ve been good but the opponents – Wigan, Huddersfield – have not been at full strength. This game will be a better reflection of where we are at.”

The 28-year-old believes just a new voice at the helm has helped improve their performances.

“Chezzy’s sorted out our defence as well and given us a structure to play with that gives us a little bit of a free rein, too,” added the former St Helens and Huddersfield rake, who joined from Castleford Tigers last summer.

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“Everyone knows what they are doing. It was a bit up in the air at times under Brian – he could be a bit erratic at times – but what Chezzy has done suits us.”

Undoubtedly, Moore’s experience and guile in the nine role has aided them, too.

He tore his biceps in the Boxing Day friendly against Leeds, having suffered the same injury on the other arm last season.

Moore returned as they started their winning run against Huddersfield and played the next three before being rested for last week’s Challenge Cup victory over Sheffield Eagles.

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“I’m playing all right – not amazing,” he insisted. “It was frustrating getting injured like that. I had a really good pre-season and got in good shape only to do that in the first 30 seconds of that friendly.

“You have to take the rough with the smooth, though – if it had to happen that was probably the best time to do it.

“I’ve only missed a handful of games whereas if I was to do it now I’d probably miss the rest of the season.

“I’m just trying to get my match fitness back. Coming back at Easter with three games in nine days is never easy especially after not playing for six months. I just need to work on my tackle technique, get that back, and I’m building week to week.”