Wakefield’s Reece Lyne up for ‘challenge’ of defying horrific start to season
REECE Lyne knows it and is not hiding from it - this could truly be the desperation derby.
Wakefield have played seven, lost seven, scored just 43 points - things are not much better on the other side of the borough.
For Castleford have won just one match, are already on their second coach of the season and face huge off-field issues, mainly getting Wheldon Road finally developed.
But tonight all focus is on the pitch and Trinity ace Lyne believes they are far from dead and buried already, even though this is a ‘must win’ game.
He knows, though, many fans are saying they are doomed to relegation and employing Mark Applegarth as boss was as much as an admission.
However, seeing that talk only makes the 'challenge' more enticing.
Lyne said: “It has been difficult, you can’t get away from that. We have to cop that flak that comes our way – but I don’t see it as pressure, I see it as a challenge.
“It’s a tough challenge but one we should be excited about as a team and embrace it for what it is. We can’t afford to be rabbits in headlights. We have to deal with the reality.
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“You see a lot of things on social media and the results are there for everyone to see. The fans pay their money, so they have a right to have an opinion.
“There’s a lot of outside noise and external factors but we’re the only people who can get us out of the mess that we’re in.
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“And we’re ready to meet the battle head on. This is a game we’ve got to be winning, I’ve no problem in saying that. We need to get that two points sooner rather than later.
“There’s no point in shirking away from what this match means and trying to hide – take it for what it is.
“And there’s no point coming in with our heads down and sulking, that won’t get us anywhere.”
Wakefield and Lyne have showed they can produce international quality after he made the England team in 2018 - they just have not done so yet in 2023.
But what better place to prove it than the home of their nearest and not-so-dearest?
Lyne added: “The effort’s there but that’s the bare minimum.
“When you’re a team that spends a lot less than others and you get injuries on top of that, it’s difficult to compete. That’s the reality.
“But a win will give us that belief we can go on a bit of a run. Nine times out of 10, derbies are won by the team that wants it the most.
“I’m really excited for Castleford, it will be a hostile atmosphere and we’re looking forward to meeting that challenge head on.”