Stricken Wildcats lose Obst to Hull

Wakefield's new owners have lost a key player even before completing their takeover of the stricken club. The Wildcats' half-back or hooker, Sam Obst, has joined Hull on a two-year deal. He provides cover in two positions where they are short of options and Hull have paid an undisclosed fee.

However, if the move is a good one for Hull, it looks suspiciously like the start of the break-up of Wakefield's already threadbare squad. That is why the incoming owners, Spirit of 1873, were at pains to emphasise yesterday that the deal was done by the administrators who have been running the club. Australian Obst needs a new work permit, so is unlikely to be available to face Leeds on Friday.