Mark Applegarth: Wakefield Trinity head coach departs after relegation from Super League

Head coach Mark Applegarth and assistant Sean Long have both left Wakefield Trinity following their relegation from the Betfred Super League; potential new owner Mark Ellis has signaled his intention to appoint former Castleford Tigers and Warrington Wolves boss Daryl Powell

Mark Applegarth has left his position as head coach of Wakefield Trinity following their relegation from the Betfred Super League.

Applegarth rose through the ranks and took up the post in September 2022, having been part of Trinity’s staff for the past six years, but this season they managed just four wins in 27 matches and finished bottom of the table.

Relegation to the Betfred Championship looks set to bring about change at Wakefield, with potential new owner Matt Ellis signaling his intention to appoint former Castleford Tigers and Warrington Wolves boss Daryl Powell once his takeover of the club is complete.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to coach my hometown club,” said Applegarth. “I gave everything I had in every decision I made with the best interests of the club in mind.

“I sincerely wish Matt, Daryl and the rest of the new team the best. It is an exciting time to be supporting Wakefield and having spoken to Matt on numerous occasions I know he has a burning desire to bring this club back to the place where she belongs is regularly a challenge for honor.”

Assistant coach Sean Long, who made the move to Trinity after leaving neighbors Featherstone Rovers in early August, has also left Wakefield.

Outgoing Wakefield chief executive Michael Carter paid tribute to Applegarth, who played for Trinity between 2004 and 2008, for the work he had done since returning to the Be Well Support Stadium in 2016.

It appears Daryl Powell will replace Mark Applegarth as Wakefield head coach

“I have spoken at length with Mark about his role at the club in the impending takeover, and Mark has decided to look for pastures new,” Carter said.

“When Mark joined the club in 2016, he managed to turn a failing academy into one that has consistently produced players and was rated ‘Good’ and in some respects ‘Excellent’ by the RFL. This was no small feat achievement considering the small budget with which he operated.

“When he was given the opportunity to become head coach, despite the many challenges, financial and otherwise, he gave everything he did and his work ethic for this club can only be admired.

“Mark has given his heart and soul to this club and will be greatly missed, but I wish him and his family every success for the future and he is welcome at any time.”

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