WAKEFIELD TRINITY now have a new head coach in the shape of former Castleford Tigers boss Daryl Powell.
Appointed on a four-year deal, Powell is tasked with leading Wakefield in their new era following the club’s relegation from Super League at the end of the 2023 season.
Since then, the likes of Jai Whitbread, Sam Eseh, Morgan Smith and Will Dagger have all moved on to pastures new.
And, for Powell, he has hinted at new signings that can help Wakefield more than compete in 2024 with Super League the aim.
“We need some players,” Powell told the Wakefield website. I’ve looked through the squad and there are some good young players in the outside backs, the halfbacks and the spine players are nearly all there.
“But the middle unit is an area where a couple of player have been sold and a couple of middle unit players have left. That is, in the Championship, paramount.
“There is one aim – to get back into Super League – and you can’t take that challenge lightly. I worked at Featherstone so I know how tough it is. To get out of the Championship, that is what everyone wants to do at the club.
“I saw first hand the ball movement that Wakefield are capable of in my last game in charge of Warrington. It’s about harnessing their skillsets and making sure we play to the team skillsets and get everything right.
“There is not always one way of playing but it is about making sure we can play the way we need to on any given day. It’s about creating a flexible team that can play any given way.”
Powell also revealed why he joined Wakefield after being sold the dream by new owner Matt Ellis – owner of local Wakefield business DIY Kitchens.
“After I went away from Warrington, I went for a bit of a breather. I was sat with my missus and I got this text – I thought it was a guy trying to sell me a kitchen – but it was Matt Ellis introducing himself and saying ‘this is what I’m looking to do. Would you be interested?'”
“I went and met him, seeing Matt and listening to his passion, I wanted to feed off that passion he had. It’s the blank canvas opportunity and to be a part of growing a club from a really difficult position. Matt talks about winning things and that’s important from the top, it permeates down.”
The ex-Featherstone boss also had a message for the Wakefield fans.
“It’s a fresh start, teams rise and fall and it’s really disappointing (relegation), but it gives a chance to reset with a new owner.
“Matt is massive in terms of wanting to grow the club. The fans can be excited what will be brought off the field and, for me, I want to make it exciting on the field.
“I know it’s been a tough period for Wakefield fans, but I want them to come and enjoy the matchday experience. Winning – that’s what it’s all about and players doing special things.
“Being connected with the fans, they get behind us and we will give them something special. I think they should be really excited.”
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