Wakefield Trinity head coach Daryl Powell revealed his playing squad was in shock following their stunning Super League Grand Final victory, two years on from playing in England's second tier. Wakefield were crowned Super League champions for the first time in the club's history with a resounding 23-10 victory over Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford, a week after travelling to huge favourites Wigan Warriors and dispatching them 33-6 in the semi-finals. The success proved Wakefield's first league title for 58 years dating back to 1968, and all the more remarkable considering they were relegated from Super League in 2023, playing the 2024 season in the Championship under Powell.
Powell, 61, admitted it was his first time leading a side out in a Super League Grand Final since 2017, when he was Castleford Tigers head coach and lost heavily to Leeds Rhinos. Saturday's success was made even sweeter for Powell by the fact it came against Warrington, where he coached for two seasons before being dismissed in 2023. "This is the best [achievement], really," he added. "It looked like maybe I'd slip through my career and not win the big game after 2017 and it's been a long time. I had a tough time at Warrington, and then to come back and do this with Wakefield, it's phenomenal.
For me, it's right up there. Just being at Wakefield and feeling at home again in a place and being able to get a group of men together who can do special things, it's unbelievable.".
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing