Hull FC v Wakefield preview
New Wakefield Wildcats head coach Chris Chester believes the current squad is capable of preserving the club’s Super League status but will still try to strengthen.
Chester, 37, was appointed successor to veteran Australian Brian Smith on Wednesday and will lead the team for the first time away at Hull FC on Friday night.
Speaking at his first press conference, he said: "It's a very good squad. We'll try and add a little bit of quality, but if not, I'm more than happy with what's available.
"I don't know really too much about these players here - I think there's only Craig Hall I've actually coached - so they will all get an opportunity these next two or three weeks to shine and try and impress.
"We are trying to bring someone in over next few weeks player-wise. There is some movement - we're looking over here and overseas - just to add a little bit of quality.
"I have a few names in mind, but it's a long, drawn-out process."
Chester joins Wakefield just three weeks after being sacked as head coach of Hull KR and insisted he did not need more time out of the game.
He added: "It's a team that I supported as a young kid. I was a season ticket-holder and I know what this club is all about.
"So it was a very easy decision. I've had three weeks at home doing a lot of housework, so I was ready. I've recharged my batteries and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Chester will be buoyed by the fact that Hull FC go into the game on the back of three consecutive defeats, the latest being a 46-6 drubbing at Widnes Vikings.
Hull FC head coach Lee Radford said: "Friday can't come quick enough for the group and for the club. We want to get back on the field and right a few wrongs.
"The players came to the agreement that what we dished up [against Widnes] wasn't good enough and we let each other down. We want to get that right.
"The first 20 mins are really important for us this week. A big one, for me, is our response to things going against us. We've got to make sure we show some resolve and make sure we can come out firing."
Radford has made two changes for the visit of Wakefield, with Kirk Yeaman and Iafeta Paleaaesina coming into the 19-man squad. Wingers Fetuli Talanoa and Mahe Fonua both miss out.
The Wildcats, meanwhile, are without skipper Danny Kirmond and full-back Ben Jones-Bishop.
Hull FC: Bowden, Ellis, Green, Houghton, Logan, Manu, Michaels, Minichiello, Naughton, Paleaaesina, Pritchard, Shaul, Sneyd, Taylor, Thompson, Tuimavave, Washbrook, Watts, Yeaman.
Wakefield: Anderson, Annakin, Arundel, Ashurst, England, Finn, Gibson, Hall, Howarth, Johnstone, Jowitt, Miller, Molloy, Scruton, Simon, Sio, Tupou, Walker, Yates.
