The latest RFL statement confirmed the interview panel for the vacant England job but one Super League coach has ruled himself out of contention, despite admitting that it’s a role he previously would have been interested in.
A statement from the RFL came on Wednesday to confirm that a five-person interview panel had been created with Leeds Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield among the standout names on that list.
Despite Shaun Wane vacating the role of England head coach in January, the search has only truly began this past week following the RFL Council meeting of late March when Nigel Wood was officially confirmed as the organisation’s chair.
With presumed first-choice Willie Peters out of the running after landing the PNG Chiefs job, many names are being thrown out but one man who will not be applying is Wakefield Trinity’s Daryl Powell.
Speaking to the media ahead of Trin’s Super League clash with Castleford Tigers, Powell bluntly stated: “No, it’s just not for me.”
Daryl Powell rules himself out of England gig
As one of the most experienced coaches in Super League, Powell has worked wonders to promote Trinity and lead them to the play-offs in their first season back last year and that perhaps feeds into why he won’t be applying.
On his lack of interest to apply for the role, Powell admitted: “There’s been a time in the past when it was (a goal), but it’s not for me at the moment. I won’t be applying for the job.”
He added: “There’s a few guys who have already put their hands up there, everyone is a little bit different out there, they’re all at different places in the career but for me it’s not something I’ll be looking to be doing at the moment.”
One of those who is understood to be interested is Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur whilst Paul Rowley has also put his hand up, speaking recently to state that he holds a ‘burning desire’ to coach his nation.
Any appointment will only be on an initial short-term basis with the next coach locked in for the 2026 World Cup, after which a decision will be made on a long-term appointment.
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Eric T Cat
April 2, 2026 at 2:07 pm
Steve McNamara is assistant at Warrington, who are reborn hard this season, he’s done the job previously, it’s a part-time role, he’s coached in the NRL, he has nearly the full season to see players up close, get a feel for the team. As an assistant at Warrington it wouldn’t be too great a distraction as it would be for a head coach. He’s not bound up in the Wigan-Saints-Leeds mafia. He’s a strong candidate to my mind.