Daryl Powell baffled by Watts ban

Daryl Powell was a bit perplexed to say the least with Liam Watts’ upgraded ban from one game to two, but was enthusiastic about the prospect of younger players coming into the squad to replace him.

“Liam Watts is banned; I don’t know how he got two matches, but it seems like you can’t appeal now.

“I don’t understand it to be honest; apparently it was a frivolous appeal, which is a great word!

“It’s wrong that you can’t appeal something, I always thought you were innocent until proven guilty.

“Grant Millington is injured – he’s not great, he’ll be 4-6 weeks with a knee injury which is disappointing, but it’s a long season and we’ve got a few middle men who can come in as well as some youngsters.

“James Clare comes back in and he will play this week.”

Powell is also excited about the return of fans.

“It hasn’t been great; there isn’t much soul with a stadium with no one in.

“The noise around players and around the field will be great, I’m looking forward to it.

“T think we’ve taken fans for granted over the years because they’ve always been there.”