Wakefield coach Brian Smith cannot wait to unleash new signing Kevin Locke on Hull FC
Tuesday 30 June 2015 15:57, UK
Wakefield coach Brian Smith has said that new signing Kevin Locke has fitted in well with his new club and can't wait to unleash him against Hull FC on Wednesday night.
The 26-year-old former New Zealand Test full-back has been hailed by Wakefield chairman Michael Carter as the club's biggest signing since Wally Lewis after joining them at the end of the season following his acrimonious departure from Salford.
Locke has not played for two months after being frozen out at the Red Devils and has made just 13 appearances out of a possible 27 matches due to injury and loss of form.
The club have kept the high-profile Kiwi away from the media since announcing his arrival as a free agent but Smith says the player is raring to go after shocking his new team-mates with his natural skill in training.
"Kev has had some problems with injuries and whatever else has gone elsewhere but that's fish and chip paper now," Smith said. "I'm confident he's in the right frame of mind to do the business.
"In the three or four sessions that he's had with us so far he's demonstrated some of the most absolutely incredible skills. A couple of times the boys stopped and applauded him.
"He's a top talent, he's got real brilliance about him. We obviously want that to carry over into the game and I've not got much concern about that. We brought him in to help us to win. He's a special player but we think we're building a special team."
Locke is one of four signings made by Wakefield in their bid to revive their season. Jordan Tansey, Michael Sio and Anthony Walker have also been included in Smith's 19-man squad but the latter is likely to be held back for the return fixture with Hull on Sunday.
After having just 18 fit players available for the last match against Catalans Dragons 10 days ago, Smith is now delighted to be able to perform some squad rotation.
"I've got seven guys not selected for Wednesday's match," he said. "They've got a dart-board downstairs with my picture in the middle and I like that.
"We've been able to do full opposed training with two 13-on-13 teams. Practice changes when you've got that, it gives you an edge."
Edging closer
Smith has presided over defeats by Salford and the Dragons since he succeeded fellow-Australian James Webster as head coach but is confident his side are edging closer to their first league win since February and says the 10-day break has helped the preparations for Wednesday's delayed round 11 fixture.
"We've done a truckload of work," Smith said. "We feel like we're in a pretty good spot for a good performance on Wednesday night.
"Yesterday's was the best session we've had since I've been here. There was a lot of noise which generally means the boys are feeling good about themselves and we get a chance to examine ourselves on Wednesday night.
"We're getting close to that point where we should see some noticeable change as a team and hopefully some individuals too.
"We've a big job to do over the rest of this season to get some real credibility and excitement back into the club."
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