John Kear will stay with Wakefield next season, even if they are relegated from the Super League. The 51-year-old former Sheffield, Hull and England coach has inspired a revival to give Trinity a chance of survival with two wins out of three since he joined them on a short-term contract last month, earning a new one-year deal ahead of tonight's trip to St Helens.

"I consider myself a Super League coach and will give all my best to ensure I am still a Super League coach next year but if we have to take a step back to take two steps forward, so be it," Kear said.

Wakefield confirmed yesterday they will retain a full-time squad next season even if they are playing in the National League. Kear's hopes that St Helens may field a weakened team tonight following last Saturday's Challenge Cup victory have been scuppered, with Jon Wilkin and Willie Talau the only absentees as they aim to secure the League Leaders' Shield for the second consecutive season.

Barring an upset at Knowsley Road, Wigan could secure their safety by beating Bradford at the JJB Stadium, a game that will bring Brian Noble, Stuart Fielden and Terry Newton up against their former clubs for the first time. The Bulls are still missing their Test second-row Paul Johnson, whose move to Warrington on a three-year contract was confirmed yesterday, and have also lost Stanley Gene for up to six weeks with a knee injury.

Leeds will mark the 100th anniversary of the Northern Union's switch to 13-a-side with the opening of the Carnegie Stand for tonight's visit of Warrington, but their coach, Tony Smith, admits to growing concern over Danny McGuire who will miss a fifth match due to shin splints.