🔥SLAMMIN’ SAM B – WAKING UP WITH WAKEY! 💙💥

Since starting SlamminSamB.com, we’ve set all sorts of mini missions — ways to keep our family focused and smiling during the toughest of times. They help us stay positive, give Sammy goals, and keep the fire lit. One of those early missions? Getting a video from a rugby legend. Enter Uncle Ross, who somehow managed to get a message from England and Bath star Ollie Lawrence. That smile on Sammy’s face? Unforgettable.

Then came the ripple effect — Beanie sorted loads more videos, Congleton head coach Dave Kirby got Sam Burgess (yes, THE Sam Burgess), and the rugby community stepped up in ways we never imagined. The lads at Sale Sharks welcomed us like family and helped kickstart our missions and have wrapped Sammy with so much rugby love. Now, Wakefield Trinity proudly joining that journey, showing Sammy just how incredible the entire rugby community really is.

This mission is a special one we’ve been holding out for. A video — or even better, a visit — to Wakefield Trinity. The Balmforth family team. The roots run deep: my Dad and Uncle Barney used to watch every game before they joined the army in the ’70s. Grandma Great, Auntie Jean, Uncle Stuart — all season ticket holders. Auntie Jean’s granddaughter plays for Wakey Ladies. Uncle Martyn and Auntie Cynthia? Wakey lifers. This club means something to us all.

So Uncle Martyn made it his mission — and somehow, through the incredible Denise at Wakefield Trinity, he did way more than get a video. He created a day that will live with us forever.

🚗 ROAD TO BELLE VUE

Sunday came, hot off an epic Sale Sharks match on Friday and Congleton’s awards on Saturday. I wasn’t sure if Sammy would be up for it — he’s been sick most nights, and these highs come with a cost. But the thought of meeting the Team and possibly seeing Sam Burgess (Sammy’s namesake!)? That kept him going.

We jumped in the car — Wakey caps on, Wakey shirts ironed, and a Wakey ball ready for car park passing. Took the scenic route over the Pennines, because it’s not just about getting there — it’s about the journey. Stopped by Grandma’s, then straight into a disabled parking spot, right outside the entrance. We were on the list. GET IN.

🎫 HOSPITALITY HEAVEN

Quick merch stop (those foam fingers were NOT practical at the dinner table 😂), new Wakey shirt on, and off to the hospitality suite. Greeted by John Kear at the door (what a start), we headed up and met Uncle Martyn and Auntie Cynthia at our table. Another family joined us, raising funds for a brain tumour battle. That connection? Immediate. Rugby brings people together like nothing else.

Matt Ellis, the owner of Wakey, was there setting everything up himself — absolute top bloke. Then Denise — our hero of the day — came over with a hug. Stu Dickens brought over Ky Rodwell, Caleb Hamlin-Uele, and Renouf Atoni (absolute units!). The lads were incredible with Sammy and Harry. Kind, humble, and genuinely brilliant. We got photos, chats, stories… I may have fanboyed a little, I might have mentioned I played for Birmingham Bulldogs and played rugby league in the army Ha!. Okay, I fanboyed a lot. Ow! and to top it off, they gave Sammy a signed rugby ball — a gesture he’ll never forget. It was another moment of pure class that meant the world to him.

🍽️ FOOD & FRIENDSHIP

Yorkshire puds, beef, gravy — the works. Hazza dropping cutlery like a ninja. He’s got wings for elbows, that kid. But the room was full of laughter and warmth. Then Daryl Powell (yes, the Daryl Powell) gave a talk about Wakey — grounded, inspiring, the kind of coach you’d run through walls for.

🏟️ THE MATCH

When we headed out to find our seats… well, we didn’t find them. We were placed ON TOP of the dugout. Literally. Cheering next to the coaches. Fireworks lit the sky, music blasted, cheerleaders danced — the whole place roared as Wakefield took to the field.

The boys were in awe. Then Wakey went to work:

🏉 Final Score: Wakefield Trinity 40 – 10 Warrington Wolves

Tries from Caius Faatili (2), Josh Griffin (2), Corey Hall, Tom Johnstone, and Oli Pratt. Max Jowitt converted six of seven.

Mason Lino ran the show. Total masterclass. Wakefield DOMINATED.

🌟 MEETING THE HEROES

And it didn’t stop there. Stu and Denise waved us down post-match and said, “Come on, you’re going on the pitch.”

We were STANDING on the Belle Vue pitch — Sammy and Hazza running around, kicking balls, sunlight pouring down, hearts full.

Then their favourite player, Max Jowitt (all the kids love Max!) came over, chatted, took photos… I won’t lie, the tears came. Magic doesn’t even begin to describe it.

🎶 THE CHANGING ROOM DREAM

Just when we thought it was done, Stu got the boys into the dressing room. Daryl gave his talk, and then the lads — led by Max — burst into the Wakey victory song. Sammy, Hazza and Inside Trinity podcast star Harry (Sammy said it was cool meeting him) helped carry the kit / drum in. Water was flying everywhere. Voices lifted. Sammy BELTING it out with the whole team.

A dream. A bloody dream.

We finished up chatting with Daryl Powell, John Kear checked in again by the cars, Grandma and Richard joined us — the full circle moment. We even got a pizza for our journey home from Warrington Wolves.

Sammy was sick on Monday. Totally out of it. Don’t worry, it wasn’t the pizza ha! But Sunday? Sunday was one of the greatest days of our lives.

🙏 THANK YOU, Uncle Martyn, Denise, Stu Dickens, Matt Ellis, Daryl Powell, Max, Ky, Caleb, Renouf, John, and every person who made it happen. We are FOREVER grateful. You’ve changed our lives. Slammin’ Sam B will never forget this.

🗣️ QUOTE TO END: “Rugby isn’t just a sport — it’s a reminder that in a world full of chaos, there are still places where community, kindness, and courage lead the way.”

Up the Trin! Wakefield! Wakefield! Wakefield! 💙❤️🤍