He’s been at Wigan since the age of 16, but the now 28-year-old Sam Powell believes the togetherness within this Wigan squad is the greatest it’s been following the lockdown and that the protocols put in place have helped considerably.
“It’s brought us together more. There’s obviously the big layoff that we had and that created a lot of uncertainty, but it’s definitely helped us as a team,” Powell says.
“We’ve done a great thing with the protocols and keeping us all safe. It’s sad that one of us tested positive, but we’re trying to be as upbeat as possible.
“The coaching staff have been great; they lay the week out and if anything changes we adjust. We’re professional athletes and things change day-to-day.”
The Warriors hooker also believes that being clever is the way to ensure games can still go ahead.
“We have to be smart with the choices we make to protect ourselves and our own family as well as the rest of the team.”
But, despite this season being far from a normal one, 2020 is definitely not a write-off, according to Powell.
“I want to win trophies this season. That’s something that comes from playing with Wigan, we’re expected to win trophies so that’s always going to be the aim for us.
“I don’t know if it’s just me, but if we go through this season as a team and don’t win anything then I see it as a season that’s gone by.”
Super League continues to churn out new rules and last week’s decision to make the table based on win points percentage rather than points stirred the Rugby League fraternity. For Powell, however, that change will not change Wigan’s aims.
“If that’s the way it’s going to roll, then that’s the way it’s going to roll. We will dust ourselves off and try and climb back up there,” Powell explained.
“It’s something we’ve got to do. The world is not straightforward and everyone in our camp understands that.”
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