Double injury blow for Wakefield

Wakefield pair Rob Spicer and Duncan Macgillivray will miss the start of the new season after being told they require surgery. Spicer has suffered a recurrence of a hip injury and is expected to be out of action until April.

Macgillivray requires reconstructive surgery on a shoulder injury he picked up against Leeds on Boxing Day.

Wakefield kick of their Super League campaign with a trip to Bradford Bulls on 13 February.

In other news:

Demetriou gets Wildcats captaincy

Jason Demetriou will captain Wakefield in 2005 following the departure of last year's skipper Gareth Ellis to Leeds. "He's a player who leads by example and has the full support of the players," said Wildcats coach Shane McNally.

According to McNally, the decison to award the captaincy to Demetriou "was very well received" by the squad.

"He is a true professional who always gives 100% when playing and also at training," added McNally, who confirmed David March as vice-captain.