Daryl Powell says Wakefield Trinity’s Grand Final success has not stopped work on a possible World Club Challenge clash with Sydney Roosters next February, and he believes the club can now look at the bigger picture with confidence.
Wakefield beat Warrington Wolves 23-10 at Old Trafford in the Super League Grand Final, and the result has given fresh momentum to plans for what could become the club’s next major occasion. Ahead of the final, Matt Ellis had already revealed several venue options, including Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium, and the idea of a transcontinental showdown has clearly remained live.
Powell backs Ellis to think bigger
Powell was keen to defend the timing of those discussions. “We got a bit of stick for Matt talking about the World Club Challenge, thinking we were getting ahead of ourselves,” he said.
But for the Wakefield head coach, that sort of ambition is part of what has driven the club forward. “But that’s Matt, and it doesn’t affect the team too much. All those sort of barbs don't mean anything. We’re focused on what we’re doing, and Matt’s looking at the bigger picture,” Powell said.
He also praised Ellis for being willing to say what he thinks. “He’s different from every other owner in the competition. He’s out there, says what he thinks and he stretches things a little bit - and why not?”
Powell added that he was delighted to see the investment behind the club rewarded on the biggest stage. “I was so pleased for him, the investment he’s put into the club and his family. It’s awesome to see them so happy and enjoy what they’ve done for the club,” he said.
The best moment of Powell’s coaching career
For Powell, the Grand Final victory carried deep personal meaning as well as club significance. He reflected on how long it had been since his previous big triumph, pointing back to 2017 and a difficult spell at Warrington.
“I think this is the best, really,” Powell said. “It looks like maybe I'd slip through my career and not win the big game, after 2017 and it's been a long time, and I had a tough time at Warrington.”
“To come back and do this with Wakefield, it's phenomenal. For me, it's right up there - being at Wakefield and being at home again in a place,” he added. “I've had some great times in my coaching career, but this is the best.”
Now the attention turns to what comes next. With the Super League title secured, Wakefield can begin working on the possibility of facing Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge next February, and the club’s rapid rise suggests they are already thinking beyond one trophy.
