MARK Applegarth has two things that help him escape as Wakefield look to avoid a dirty dozen – his daughter and the vacuum cleaner.
In turn, he has become an emotional sounding board for his players to not let the situation get on top of them.
Trinity are marooned at the bottom of Super League after losing all 11 matches this season – speak to some and they are already relegated.
But boss Applegarth revealed what helps him not let things become too much for him emotionally, as he tries to stop his side becoming overwhelmed.
He said: “Everyone has their own go-tos. There are may people in the club I feel comfortable speaking to, like assistant James Ford.
“But my missus makes sure she keeps me grounded at home, put it that way. She makes sure I switch off when she’s putting that Hoover in front of me and making me do the chores.
“And I’ve a young daughter. Anyone with kids will say it’s always good as when you go home and see them smiling, it takes your mind off it.
“I live and breathe this and it hurts but I take positives and hopefully I won’t find myself in this situation again. I don’t see the benefit in thinking the other way.
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“It’s not where we want to be but if I felt like we were cutting corners, I wouldn’t feel so good about it but we’re not.”
Wakefield’s search for a win sees them take on resurgent Hull FC tonight but even if Trinity do not succeed, honesty will be the best policy.
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Pointing the finger and dishing out the blame will do no-one any favours.
Applegarth added: “It’s a situation I’ve never been in as a head coach and I’m sure a few of the players haven’t.
“But it’s also a test of character. The easiest thing to do would be to turn against each other and start pointing fingers = that gets you nowhere, it just compounds the situation.
“So I’ve been working on them being honest while staying together. You can be together as long as you’re honest with each other and there’s no lingering undertone.
“I’ll always tell someone how I’m feeling and what I think but I also expect it in return. Having that open and honest environment is key to anything in life.
“So I’ve been chatting about that and making sure people aren’t keeping anything internal – that way you can keep that togetherness.
“The players know the only way we can get out of it is by sticking together and working as a team.”
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