Wakefield loss to Sheffield is concern for Brian Smith
Last Updated: 28/09/15 4:25pm
Brian Smith admits Wakefield's 24-10 defeat to Sheffield Eagles is a major blow ahead of their Million-Pound clash with Bradford.
The Wildcats were well under par in their final match of the Super 8s at Bramall Lane and Smith knows they will need to find a major improvement when they take on the Bulls at Belle Vue next Saturday for the 12th and final place in Super League for 2016.
"It's a worry," Smith said. "We came here to win and at times we were comprehensively outplayed. At other times, we did get some sort of opportunity to play some attacking football but we blew our chances and that kept the opposition in the game.
"I wouldn't think that would get anywhere near winning next week. We've just got to get ourselves ready to play our best game."
Wakefield look certain to be without prop Scott Anderson, who went off after only five minutes with a medial knee ligament injury, but skipper Danny Kirmond gained 75 minutes of match practice on his surprise early return from a three-month lay-off following shoulder surgery.
"Our plan was to put him on around the 20 or 25-minute mark but he got through it pretty well," Smith said. "He came up with some good plays and he's got some good match fitness for next week now, which is a big thing for him."
Wakefield went into the game knowing home advantage in the Million-Pound Game was secure following Bradford's' 52-18 home defeat by Halifax 24 hours earlier and their players appeared to have an eye on next week.
"It's hard to know but it's no excuse," Smith said. "If you've got your eyes somewhere else you're always a chance of running second."
