DARYL POWELL couldn’t hide his pride after Wakefield Trinity lifted the Super League Grand Final trophy following a big win over Warrington Wolves.
Wakefield were the best team throughout the 80 minutes, leading 19-0 at half-time before showing defensive resolve to eke out a 23-10 victory.
After the game, Powell said: “I’m amazed really at the boys and how good they’ve been.
“It’s sweet for me as an individual but for the club, players and coaching staff and all we’ve built in the last three years is phenomenal.
“We have been building for a while but the last weeks, we have put in some incredible performances.
“This is the best. To come back after nine years and do this for Wakefield is phenomenal. For me, it’s right up there as a best moment, feeling at home again in a place and getting a group together that can do special things is unbelievable.
“That’s the best thing that could have happened for Super League tonight. The story and what it’s about, that a team like us can come from the Championship and be champions in two years.”
Powell was asked about his controversial exit from Warrington three years ago and admitted it would have been ‘pretty hurtful’ had Wakefield lost in the Grand Final.
“I was pretty nervous tonight as a person. If we lose that game tonight that’s pretty hurtful for me.
“It wasn’t about me and I batted off a lot of questions about Warrington during the week.
“They’ve had a great season and Sam has done a phenomenal job to get them there but personally for me I am so pleased.”
A lot was said about Wakefield’s preparation and the fact they were so relaxed.
Caius Faatili, for example, dyed his hair red, blue and white. But Powell believes it showed confidence.
“A lot of people have been writing us off and asking if we could do it two weeks in a row after Wigan.
“Caius doing what he did with his hair sums us up. Max wanted to dye my hair tomorrow and I said I would dye it if we won.
“For me when I walked in and saw him I went ‘oh wow’. It was a show of confidence from an individual.
“The boys have got confidence in each other. It’s been an amazing finish to the season and I couldn’t speak more highly of the boys.”