Wakefield Wildcats head coach Chris Chester has urged his squad to improve their home form as they prepare to host neighbours Castleford Tigers on Sunday.
Chester’s men are eyeing a Wembley appearance in the Challenge Cup and may not be fully focused on this weekend’s clash with their West Yorkshire rivals.
Wakefield have ensured they will be playing in the Super League again next term with two games to spare and victory on Sunday could see them claim sixth place.
However, a Challenge Cup semi-final against Warrington at Leigh Sports Village next Saturday is certainly going to play a factor in terms of Chester’s team selection.
The Wildcats have been without an appearance in the Cup final for 37 years, but Chester has the chance to guide two different teams to Wembley in consecutive campaigns after taking Hull KR all the way last August.
The 37-year-old admitted next week’s clash is massive but feels Sunday’s game provides them with the chance to address their poor home form as they welcome Cas to Belle Vue.
Chester said: “Next week is a massive game for this club. “These are exciting times for us.
“We’ve got a bit of momentum going into this game but in the last three or four games we’ve not been great at home.
“We need to sort our home form out going into the play-offs.” Wakefield have four specialist front rowers sidelined, however, Chester is hopeful that skipper Danny Kirmond could return after missing the last five matches.
He added: “He’s improving every week. “He’ll have a late fitness test but we’re also mindful of how important the week after is.”
Wakefield are priced at 2.75 to claim victory on Sunday, while the draw is available at 21.00 and Castleford can be backed at 1.44 to come out on top.
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