Daryl Powell’s comments following Thursday’s clash between Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC will be looked into by the RFL.
Speaking after the game at the MKM Stadium which Hull won 16-10 to leapfrog the West Yorkshire outfit and move back into Super League’s top six, Powell accused John Cartwright of influencing referee James Vella at half-time.
The Wakefield boss claimed Cartwright could be heard complaining about a one-sided penalty count in the tunnel within earshot of the referee, which is something Powell admits he has done before.
However, Powell went on to claim that Cartwright’s comments had a notable influence on the referee, with the Black and Whites being on the right side of a number of referee calls in the second half as they overturned a 10-point deficit to claim their first win on home soil in a year.
Serious About RL understands the governing body will look into those comments on Monday, once the weekend’s action is over and done with to determine their next steps, and should they deem it necessary, Powell will potentially be asked to explain what he said to both Sky Sports and the written media after the contest.
The accusation was put to Cartwright after the game, with the Hull FC boss denying any suggestion that he spoke to the match official at the interval.
“Did Daryl say that? He’s one to talk isn’t he?,” Cartwright told the media.
“I commented on that [lack of penalties], but I didn’t influence the referee. I didn’t talk to the referee at all. I did not say a word at all.
“That’s a different story [if something was overheard?] but I didn’t talk to the referee.
“We didn’t get anything go our way first half. We didn’t get a penalty or a six again.”
Of course, should the RFL opt to take further action, referee Vella can expect to be asked about what went on at the break and Powell’s suggestions.
Daryl Powell accusing John Cartwright of influencing the referee. pic.twitter.com/gQ7t2y0xoS
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) July 11, 2025
John
July 11, 2025 at 2:46 pm
Can someone take Mr Powell to one side and explain to him what “losing graciously” means. What a moaner. If it was just this game, but the last three Wakey losses have been down to errors in calls, or biased officials or being influenced by the crowds or, in this case, the oppositions coach.
I hope the RFL ARE looking into his comments and I hop one of the options is a charge of bringing the game into disrepute because his inability to accept the other team were better is quite ridiculous.
Ray
July 11, 2025 at 7:17 pm
I’m with Powell on this one.The RFL have got this back to front.Cartwright , Burgess and the rest should button it with regards the referee.There are proper channels to go through and if they have a beef,the shouldn’t be trying to influence the referee during the match.The referees seem very frail and bend to any criticism from the ‘chosen ones”.
John
July 12, 2025 at 1:24 pm
As with Mr Powell’s comments – absolutely nothing with which to substantiate your wild claims. In fact, in Daryll Powell’s case, provably incorrect comments. “We didn’t get a penalty in the second half”. Review the match around 48 minutes Daryll. There may have been more, but as soon as I had proof your claim was incorrect, I didn’t bother checking.
The RFL needs to come down hard on him. He was the same after the KR game the week before.
You lost Daryll. Accept it. Move on. What lessons are your players going to take from this?