DARYL POWELL admits he’s learned to approach big occasions with calm after the trials and tribulations of the 2017 Super League decider.
Castleford Tigers demolished all those around them that season before going down 24-6 to Leeds Rhinos in the Grand Final.
The week prior to the showpiece event at Old Trafford was fraught with issues in the Castleford camp, not least with star player Zak Hardaker being banned for failing a drugs test.
Since then, both the Tigers and Powell have gone in different directions, but it’s come full circle for the latter in 2026 as Powell aims to make it second time lucky as a head coach in the Grand Final.
His Wakefield Trinity side, which demolished Wigan Warriors 33-6 in last week’s semi-final, will go up against Warrington Wolves on Saturday night in the Grand Final.
And, if Trinity win, Powell claims it will make the players ‘Wakefield legends’.
“I’ve learnt to stay calm,” said the veteran coach..
“That semi-final against St Helens (which Castleford won in golden point) had been a tough game to win.
“So there was a fair bit of stress in and around that. It’s all about staying focused and calm and not looking at anything else except getting ready for the game.
“We’ve got a few players who have played in Grand Finals. I’ve coached in one, Michael Shenton (Wakefield assistant) has played in one, Tom Johnstone and Mike McMeeken have been there and Tyson Smoothy has played in two NRL Grand Finals so we have enough experience.
“I feel the group is in a calm and relaxed place. Everyone is joking and having a good craic.
“I think we’re in a great place and I am looking forward to it – and the players are too.
“They have an opportunity to become Wakefield legends and now we’ve got to the game that gives us the chance to do that.”