You could be forgiven for forgetting that Wakefield Trinity are a team who are just two months removed from a devastating relegation, such is the positive attitude surrounding the club at the moment and head coach Daryl Powell has continued to echo that this week.
Speaking from the club’s kit launch on Sunday in which fans queued up to ger their hands on Trinity’s new classy away shirt, Powell has spoken about just how impressive the pre-season has been so far.
Of course much of the positivity at the club currently comes following the takeover by local businessman Matt Ellis, a man who has shown intent and ambition from the get go.
In Ellis’ first statement to the fans he confirmed the intent to appoint Powell to a four-year deal, something that he did, whilst promising to build a squad to be proud of.
It would seem that Powell is certainly impressed with the new owner and the efforts of his new squad, something he confirmed speaking on the Trinity Youtube channel.
“I’ve been really impressed with the boys and their attitude, the work ethic, everything about the first two weeks I think has been class,” Powell expressed.
“I think obviously Matt and his input into changing the facilities. We’ve got a chef on board who the food’s been amazing. Everything about it’s been really, really good, and obviously we’ve got a lot of work to do but the start of pre-season has been quality.”
Trinity will first blow the cobwebs off when they face Leeds Rhinos in the traditional Boxing Day friendly but Powell has made it clear that the hard work has already begun, whilst forecasting a tough upcoming week.
“There’s three sessions a day so we’re making good use of the of the wrestle room at the ground, obviously the gym and then we’re working really hard on the field.
“The boys are getting through a hell of a lot of work but I think they’re enjoying it. There’s a fair bit of fun in there as well which you need when it’s tough and it’s starting to get a bit colder as well. It starts to get interesting when there might be some snow coming down this week.”
Whilst Powell was tied down by Ellis to a four-year deal he was also then afforded the opportunity to create his own backroom staff, something that has seen him create a youthful coaching staff but one that he’s been very impressed with.
Asked about how both Michael Shenton and Danny Kirmond had fitted in, Powell touted both men for success in the future whilst highlighting how impressed he has currently been.
“I’d say I’m really impressed with both of them. Obviously Shennie’s a little bit further down the track in terms of his coaching journey, so I’ve been really impressed with him as I thought I would be.
“Kirmo (Danny Kirmond) has come in and obviously he’s a Wakefield legend so it’s great to have them both on board, they’re two young coaches that are going to be outstanding coaches for many years to come.”
