When Max Jowitt steps onto the Wembley field on Saturday, June 8, for the 1895 Cup final against the Sheffield Eagles, there will surely be at least one person in the large stadium he aims to impress. His father, Ian, a former Wakefield player who appeared 41 times for the club between 1985 and 1991 before his career was cut short by injury, will be watching.
He has supported them ever since, and even more fervently since Max debuted for Trin at 17 in a Super League match against St Helens in 2014.
A decade later, Jowitt junior is part of a Wakefield team bringing “smiles” to fans’ faces by reaching Wembley for the first time in 45 years.
Max Jowitt in action for Wakefield Trinity against Siddal in the Challenge Cup earlier this year. Photo: Jim Fitton
He said: “I’ve heard many stories about my dad, and he’s told me all about his tries, including his 100-meter ones!
“It’s special for a father and son to play for the same club. Unfortunately, he had to retire a bit early due to injury.
“He attends every game, both home and away, and has always supported me. He tells me the truth if I haven’t played well. He doesn’t beat around the bush about anything! But having that support from him is always good.”
He added: “Opportunities to play at Wembley don’t come around often. I did it when I was younger in the school championship final as a 12-year-old, and you don’t appreciate it back then.
“It should be a really good day out for the fans. It will be pretty special for them.
“People are buzzing. The club is on the up. Fair play to the fans who have stuck by us after last year.”
“It is good to be winning again, seeing smiles on their faces and enjoying their rugby.”
While Ian played on the wing and even scored a try on his debut in a 16-16 draw with Huddersfield in September 1985, Max has excelled as Wakefield’s number one, particularly impressing with his kicking game in 2024.
He said: “I have always goal-kicked since I was young and continued through the academy. I practice quite a lot and I think I have improved. It’s easier when the lads score under the posts!
“But when we score out wide, I like to think I have practiced enough to get the job done, and I enjoy it.
“I always spend about 40 minutes after training, going side to side, and I go out ten minutes before the actual warm-up with my set routine to make sure I am striking well.”