It’s difficult to see how Wakefield could have selected a weaker team without putting out loads of U19s which they’d be criticised for as it’s not what people are paying to see.
As it is there were a number of selections which, while not being weak, were fringe selections in way or another.
Horo is new and trying to establish his starting position
Pauli Pauli is new and needs the game time for fitness
Hampshire is new and needs game time for understanding
Johnstone is returning from 10 months out injured
Ackroyd is just out of the Academy
Kershaw is Just out of the Academy
Batchelor is still 19 years old
Crowther is Just 21
Jowitt is Just 21 and needs to re establish himself after a great 2016
I’m sure there’s more.
Wakefield have a very strong and very deep squad and can easily put out 2 SL strength teams of 13 so it’s hard to see how they could have been weaker today in an effort to allow Halifax to get something out of the game.
From a Fax point of view beyond having a tough 80 minute match under their belts which will help conditioning and focus minds on areas of improvement it’s hard to see what they get out of that kind of heavy loss.