Daryl Powell says Hull KR's shock defeat to York Knights is a timely lesson for Wakefield Trinity ahead of their Super League opener.

Trinity begin their campaign with a home game against Toulouse Olympique, one of three promoted teams alongside York and Bradford Bulls.

Wakefield head into Saturday's clash as strong favourites but they know better than to write off their French visitors.

"We were a new team at this stage last year and won at Leeds," said Powell, whose side went on to reach the play-offs in their first season back in Super League.

"I'm not saying Hull KR didn't go in with the right mentality but it was a perfect example of what can happen if you're not quite there. I thought they got rattled and it's easily done.

"It's 13 on 13. Toulouse are a good team and we have to pay full respect to make sure we do what we need to do.

"It's a great lesson to never take anything for granted in this game."

Tyson Smoothy and Jazz Tevaga are among the potential debutants but Powell is without Tom Johnstone, Oliver Pratt and Ky Rodwell for round one.

Wakefield have a host of new faces for 2026, including Tyson Smoothy (centre). (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Wakefield have a host of new faces for 2026, including Tyson Smoothy (centre). (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

While Pratt and Rodwell should return against Huddersfield Giants next week, Johnstone will be slightly longer.

"Tom was flying but he's got a slight tear in his cartilage," said Powell.

"Do we try and push him through it or do we just get it done? It's come up late. He had a jab in there which didn't work so we decided to get it done.

"He's had a minor operation on his knee. He's probably two or three weeks so he's not too far away."