Fifita impresses in first Wakefield start

David Fifita has wasted little time in making an impact in England, the former Cronulla prop scoring two tries as Wakefield booked their first Challenge semi-final appearance for eight years with a 28-16 win over Huddersfield.

The brother of Cronulla and NSW Origin enforcer Andrew Fifita produced some devastating runs in his first starting appearance for his new club, twice proved unstoppable from 10 metres out from the line.

Wakefield coach Chris Chester, who took unfancied Hull KR all the way to Wembley in 2015, is now 80 minutes away from repeating the feat with his new club.

“Dave was outstanding,” Chester said.

“He copped a fair bit of criticism for his performance last week but he showed tonight what a handful he’s going to be, certainly in dry conditions.”

Wakefield played flawless footy to race into a 14-0 lead, making the most of an error by Huddersfield forward Ukuma Tai’a in the first carry, with Fifita fending off two defenders to bundle his way over for a third-minute try.

The Giants were reduced to 12 men on 13 minutes when five-eighth Danny Brough was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on centre Reece Lyne and the visitors took immediate advantage with replacement Jason Walton sending winger Ben Jones-Bishop over at the corner.

Huddersfield cut the margin to six and were lucky to keep the lead second-rower Tom Symonds, on his home debut following his move from Manly, reached the line only to be held up.

There was no way back for the home side when Fifita barged over for his second try on 54 minutes, shortly after being denied when a loose ball struck referee Gareth Hewer.

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