renowned full-back As he led Wakefield Trinity to its first major trophy since 1963 in the 1895 Cup final, Max Jowitt showered appreciation on the supporters of the team.
In the club’s maiden trip to Wembley since 1979, Trin put up a show as he easily defeated Sheffield Eagles 50–6 in the highlight event yesterday evening (Saturday).
Though the Eagles had the advantage, the roughly 10,000 Wakefield supporters who travelled to London were well worth the wait, as Lachlan Walmsley, Luke Gale, and Thomas Doyle’s first-half tries gave Trin an 18-6 lead at the gun. However, thanks to doubles from Josh Gryphon, Oliver Pratt, and Jermaine McGillvary
Jowitt declared, “It’s massive,” to the Wakefield Express. It was amazing how many Wakefield supporters showed up. The whole game, their singing truly lifted our spirits.
“The game was challenging. We were aware that Sheffield would arrive and deliver it to us. We had a great start. We talk a lot about starting well and finishing strong in our first five sets.
But I felt we handed them too many stupid penalties and too much field position. Sheffield is a strong team with good ball movement. Because of careless mistakes, we allowed them to enter our side of the pitch, and that is not who we are.
We managed to get away with it somewhat. Doyley scored a late try in the first half to give us a two-point lead, and we spoke at the half. We had a solid core of guys and knew exactly what we had to achieve.
We resumed our efforts and completed the task with great conviction. It was a tremendous performance all around.
In his last season as a professional, McGillvary made his debut at Wembley and demonstrated unwavering power and resolve to score a fantastic brace in the second half.
Regarding the winger’s display, Jowitt stated:
No matter how far out Jezzy is, you can be sure he will probably score when I come around the back and try to find him. Having someone like that on the squad is a good thing.
Despite being nearing the end of his career, he is quite important to us. Many people witness his attempts, but they are unaware of the effort he puts in of yardage.
Even so, I could name every single person! We were that excellent. As a team, we are performing incredibly well. It’s enormous. We have a few pieces of cutlery, but we need to focus on winning the league right now.
Ian, Jowitt’s father, was one of the thousands of Trin supporters in the East stand at Wembley. Ian was a former Wakefield player who played for the team from 1985 to 1991.
When asked if he and the team would have been proud of their performance, Jowitt junior, a lifelong Wakefield supporter, responded:
Without a doubt. He is most likely my harshest critic, but as a team, not just as me, you have to be proud of that. I waved at him from the stands.
“I hope the Wakefield supporters enjoy a few beers and a joyful trip home. It was done for the club and the supporters. They have been incredibly supportive not only today but throughout the entire year, and hopefully we can maintain that throughout the season.
