Daryl Powell on Gareth Widdop and his playmaker dilemma

Daryl Powell has been taking charge of the Warrington Wolves ahead of his first season at the helm at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

After over eight years in charge of the Castleford Tigers, the change of scenery could come as a shock for some, but Powell has revealed that he has been so impressed with his new side.

“We’re just over a week back in and the boys have looked after themselves over Christmas,” Powell told the Warrington website.

“I think we’re in a great place, the quality of player here means that they have picked things up pretty quickly,

“There’s a really good understanding and I’ve been so impressed with the players and the way they’ve gone after their work.”

Among those players that have impressed Powell is England international Gareth Widdop, who recently returned from Australia after spending Christmas with family.

“He’s such an experienced player and he has played in massive games and is so experienced.

“He’s got a great skill set and he’s jut a great guy too – I’ve been impressed with the level of quality people we’ve got here.

“They listen and crack on and they’ve got strong opinions and that’s great.

“You look at the spine and we’ve got Stef (Stefan Ratchford), George (George Williams) and Gaz (Widdop) and Riley Dean who has been in there too.

“We’ve also got fullback options with Matty Ashton and Josh Thewlis so the club is in great hands.”