One Wakefield Trinity player will make a U-turn on a move to the NRL, delaying his return to Australia by a season.

Having signed for the club in mid-season, back-rower Zak Lipowicz departed the Catalans Dragons at the end of August. He joined Wakefield on a short-term, permanent move until the end of the season, and in that time he became a Grand Final winner.

Lipowicz was set to join teammate Tyson Smoothy at the Western Australian outfit ahead of their inaugural NRL season in 2027. Whilst he will still make the move to Mal Meninga’s side, the 24-year-old has pushed back his move to the club by a year, meaning he will remain in West Yorkshire for another 12 months.

Lipowicz believes that a full season in Super League will be more beneficial to him than enduring a development contract at the Bears. His 2028 deal was an NRL contract, which he will still take up.

The Penrith Panthers junior is a one-time Polish international and played six games under Daryl Powell at the end of the campaign. He will look to add to that tally in 2027, as he competes alongside the likes of Isaiah Vagana and Matty Storton for starting back row roles.

Wakefield Trinity man delays NRL return by one season

Commenting on Lipowicz’s unexpected DIY Kitchens Stadium stay, Trinity Director of Rugby, Ste Mills, said: “Getting Zac back for the 2027 season is a huge boost for the club as he offers great versatility to our squad.

“We all saw how valuable that was when he joined for a short stint at the end of last season. It’s something we have been working on since that stint, and we are delighted to get it over the line.”

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