Wakefield Trinity have confirmed that club head coach Daryl Powell has been punished for comments he has made about the the match officials following his side’s loss against Hull FC earlier this month. It’s also been confirmed that Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has been sanctioned with the RFL sharing updates on both men.
The Black and Whites landed their first win at home in almost a year as they flipped a 10-0 deficit to win 16-10 against Wakefield but Trinity head coach Daryl Powell wasn’t best pleased with the actions of Hull FC boss John Cartwright at half-time.
Speaking post-match, Powell explained his belief that John Cartwright had spoken within earshot of match official James Vella with Powell then seeming to insinuate that the Hull FC coach’s comments impacted how the game was officiated.
Powell had said: “The decision making from the referee completely flipped from one side to the other, a couple of reasons for that I believe.
There was an influence of the referee and I just thought the game completely flipped, I’ve seen an influence on the referee in the tunnel after the first half. I’ve done that in the past, it just shouldn’t work and I think it worked, he completely flipped his decision making.”
He’d then explain that there were “some words in the tunnel” which were said “in ear shot”.
Powell had previously confirmed that he had to submit evidence to the RFL and the outcome of the investigation has now been revealed.
Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell handed fine for referee comments
Wakefield Trinity, who moved ahead of Hull FC with their win over Leeds Rhinos last Thursday, released a statement confirming that Powell had been found in breach of RFL rules.
A club statement read: “Daryl Powell has been fined for criticism of match officials which has been judged a breach of Operational Rules.
“The Wakefield Trinity Head Coach, has been fined £2,000, half of it suspended until the end of the 2026 season, for his comments after the Betfred Super League fixture at Hull FC on July 10.
“Powell has accepted the charge and will not appeal the decision of the investigation.”
An explanation of the sanction noted: “Head Coaches have a responsibility to ensure their behaviour sets an example to all within the game and, as such, any such misconduct should be dealt with more severely. Given your high profile within the game, the level of reach the comments made in the media and within the press have a detrimental impact to the game.”
The specific Operational Rules that Powell was in breach of have also been revealed as follows:
– Operational Rule D1.1 (b) (Improper Conduct) – Engages in conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the Game, or which is improper conduct.
– C2:6 – Each Person Subject to the Operational Rules agrees to be bound by and observe all other codes of conduct, regulations, rules and policies published by the RFL from to time.
– Operational Rule C2.10 (Behaviour Standards) – In accordance with Operational Rule D1:1(b), no Person Subject to the Operational Rules shall engage in conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the Game, brings the Game into disrepute or which is improper conduct. In addition, no director of Club or other senior personnel shall act in a manner unbefitting of the position which they hold. The RFL expect such individuals to uphold the standards of the game and to set an example to other participants. By virtue of their position, such individuals will be held to a higher standard of behaviour than other Persons subject to the Operational Rules.
– C2:12 – No Person Subject to these Operational Rules shall make any public statement (written or oral) or cause to be published or post online material or content which contains criticism of the character of a Match Official or criticism of the manner in which a Match Official has officiated at a Match (whether a Match in which the Club or Player has taken part, or of any other game under the control or subject to the jurisdiction of the RFL).
STATEMENT: The investigation in to Daryl Powell’s comments following our Round 18 game with Hull FC has concluded.
👉🏻 https://t.co/sksdOTnCZM#UpTheTrin pic.twitter.com/dzLmjp7cBp
— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) July 28, 2025
Matt Peet cops fine following post-match comments
As well as Daryl Powell being handed a fine, Wigan’s Matt Peet has been found in breach of Operational Rules.
An RFL statement confirmed: “Matt Peet, the Wigan Warriors head coach, has had part of a suspended sentence activated following comments after a Betfred Super League fixture at Huddersfield Giants on June 14.
“Having been fined £3,000 with half of it suspended for a previous offence this season, £1,000 of the suspended £1,500 has now been activated.”
It marks the second such offence for the Wigan Warriors’ head coach this year and the RFL have stressed once again the importance of their RESPECT Policy.
They stated: “In addition, the RESPECT Policy states coaches should not engage in public criticism of Match Officials. Coaches should conduct themselves at all times and in all situations in a way that demonstrates leadership, respect for the game of Rugby League and respect for all those that are involved in the game (including officials and referees).”
