The Wildcats have added a trio of former Bulls, as well as two Australians, to their squad for the 2010 campaign.
Trio arrive from Bradford as Wakefield aim for play-offs again
John Kear has added to a squad that reached the play-offs last time out - so can they push on and become more of a factor in the post season?
Last season
The Wildcats have becomes Super League's version of Manny Pacquiao - always capable of punching above their own weight.
Having finished eighth in the previous two years Wakefield made the leap into the play-offs in 2009, ending up in fifth place thanks to a run of five successive victories at the end of the regular season.
Their good form counted for nothing in the play-offs, as they were dumped out by Catalans Dragons - a side they had beaten home and away already.
However the campaign, which included impressive away wins at both Wigan and St Helens, was a further step in the right direction for a club that is looking to expand on and off the field.
Ins and outs
If Kear ever decides he's had enough of coaching then becoming a second-hand car salesman is an option! For yet another off-season he's been busy wheeling and dealing, bringing in a host of fresh faces to improve his options.
Another club's cast-offs are always options for Kear, who has picked up three former Bulls alone in Glenn Morrison, Terry Newton and Ben Jeffries, who is back for a second spell at Belle Vue.
Experienced duo Paul Johnson and Paul King have also been snapped up and there have been two new faces recruited from Down Under.
Prop Shane Tronc comes in from the North Queensland Cowboys to bolster the pack, while Daryl Millard has been signed as a replacement for the departed Ryan Atkins following the centre's sale to Warrington.
In truth it has been something of a revolving door in Wakefield, with Atkins one of 12 players to have headed for the exit. Several of them will come up against their old employers this year, while Jamie Rooney is now with Barrow.
Outlook
Kear has proven capable of getting the best out of what he has at his disposal - something that has made him a candidate for the England job.
Wakefield will not want to lose their head coach following a season of progression in 2009 and with hopes still high of building a new stadium.
The other key for the Wildcats is Danny Brough, who is in the final year of his current contract. The scrum-half is a danger with ball in hand as well as with his boot, a fact backed up by his 15 assists and 70 goals in 2009.
The squad looks capable of challenging for a play-off berth again provided they can remain healthy - particularly new boys Newton and Morrison.
Phil Clarke's one to watch - Shane Tronc
The best teams in either code of rugby need to have the best props. Their work may often go unnoticed, but it's the foundation on which any success is built.
Kear has made what I believe is a brilliant signing in bringing in the former North Queensland Cowboy. At 6ft 4" and almost 18 stones, he has a presence that won't go unnoticed. He played 24 games last season in the NRL and ended the year as one of the top 10 props in Australia. Watch for his little offloads to unlock defences.
