Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell has said it was an “easy decision” to sign at new contract at Wakefield Trinity, whilst confirming he is uncertain whether star winger Tom Johnstone will be fit enough to play on Sunday.
Powell signed a new four-year contract extension to keep him at the DIY Kitchens Stadium until the end of 2029, as he penned a new deal alongside assistant Michael Shenton and now director of rugby, Ste Mills.
Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s Super League clash with Wigan Warriors on Sunday, the boss claimed it was a no-brainer to commit his future to the club, as he believes his side are on the right track to success.
“Everything’s positive at the moment,” said the 60-year-old. “It was kind of an easy decision. I think the whole place is growing and developing and you can see that everything Matt and his family are doing is bringing together a pretty special club and playing group.”
“When you find a place that you feel happy at, then it makes sense to stick around. You can see that there’s a real future there, and I certainly see that with the current group.”
Powell’s first game since putting pen to paper will take place on Sunday afternoon against Wigan Warriors and his side will be well rested it’s fair to after their fixture against Salford Red Devils was cancelled last week. Wakefield were awarded the two points with a 48-0 win, something that could prove crucial given their current play-off race with Hull FC.
Speaking on Salford’s withdrawal, Powell was asked whether he thought the compensation was adequate enough given the disruption.
He said: “It’s probably not, is it. There’s not a lot we can do. [We] take it and move on. It’s a tough situation for those guys over there, so you’ve got to feel for them.”
Wakefield are currently on 24 points, in seventh, whilst Hull FC are on 25 points, in sixth. The extra points for FC almost certainly rules out points difference becoming a factor, Powell believes.
“That one point they’ve got takes it out of the equation, the points difference. So, I don’t think it matters too much, and I think it’s just going to be a straight shoot out between us and them. The best team wins, I think.”
Wakefield Trinity boss offers injury update ahead of Wigan Warriors clash
Wakefield’s 21-man squad won’t get released until tomorrow, however Powell confirmed some injury news that will mean his squad will be forced to have a reshuffle. One of those is England hopeful, Tom Johnstone, who is still nursing a groin issue. The Trinity boss said his inclusion would be touch and go.
Powell said: “[Tom’s] been training, whether he’s right this week, I don’t know, but he has trained, so he’s looking better than he was a couple of weeks back that’s for sure.”
Prop Caleb Hamlin-Uele will remain unavailable, whilst fellow forward Ky Rodwell has picked up another injury, in what has been a torrid season for the Australian.
“Ky Rodwell played in reserves last week, but he hurt his back, so he’s not going to be available. He’s not walking too well at the moment, so we’re not 100% on the severity. He’ll get a scan and then we’ll see where he’s at,” he added.
Anonymous
August 21, 2025 at 4:35 pm
Wakefield got 48 point uplift, 2 points, one week extra rest, no injuries, in final run in for top 6 and Powell and Wakefield are still complaining; what a bunch of whingers. All other teams have had to earn the two points!