Mark Flanagan reveals the real reason behind Daryl Powell’s Warrington Wolves exit

Warrington Wolves shocked the world when they announced that Sam Burgess would be replacing former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers coach Daryl Powell as their boss in 2024.

Powell joined the club in 2022 with expectations high but the first season was a struggle. Though framed as title challengers before the season started, it was clear Powell was trying to rebuild the squad which led to an 11th place finish but they started the season well in 2023 with eight wins in a row.

But that momentum collapsed after defeats to Wigan Warriors and St Helens undermining their play-off hopes and ultimately leading to his departure after defeat to Wakefield Trinity with Burgess to replace him in 2024.

Speaking on the Out of your League podcast, Mark Flanagan claimed that the reason it went wrong for Powell was that he lost the dressing room.

“He’s an unbelievable leader. I think he will walk into that dressing room and get respect and get the players to play and play for him,” he said.

“The way Warrington started the season they were eight from nine so there is obviously something there.

“But I think they just need somebody there that they are prepared to run through brick walls for.

“It sounds like Daryl Powell lost the dressing room in the end but I think someone like Sam could really galvanise that group of players.”

Matty Smith added:

“You hear about his leadership. I did think Warrington would go down a more experienced route but what he has done in the game he will definitely get respect.”

Burgess will join the Wire for the 2024 Super League season having agreed a two-year contract.

Following his retirement from a decorated playing career in 2019, Burgess has transitioned into the coaching set-up at South Sydney Rabbitohs, currently working as an Assistant Coach for the NRL side.

Burgess is one of the most renowned and respected leaders in the global game. The former England captain famously led the Rabbitohs to the 2014 NRL title, being awarded the Clive Churchill Medal despite suffering a broken cheekbone in the opening minute.

He represented England and Great Britain on 26 occasions during his playing career and captained the national team to the World Cup Final in 2017 under the stewardship of Wayne Bennett.

As part of the review of the Rugby department, Gary Chambers will be promoted to Director of Rugby. He will have an overarching responsibility for the Rugby department from first team downwards.

Chambers will remain in interim charge for the remainder of the 2023 season before taking up the new role.

Richard Marshall will remain as Assistant Coach with a further update about a second Assistant to be announced in due course.