Daryl Powell, the head coach of Wakefield Trinity, admitted that many of his squad members were still in disbelief after the club secured an astonishing Super League Grand Final victory, a feat that came just two years after the team had been competing in England's second‑tier competition. Wakefield celebrated their first ever Super League championship with a dominant 23‑10 win over the Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford, a triumph that followed a stunning semi‑final performance in which they dismantled the heavily‑favoured Wigan Warriors 33‑6.
This historic win marked the club's first league title since 1968, ending a 58‑year drought, and it was all the more extraordinary because Wakefield had been relegated from the Super League at the end of the 2023 season and spent the 2024 campaign in the Championship under Powell's guidance. "I’m genuinely amazed by the players and how exceptional they have been," Powell said, his voice tinged with both pride and amazement. He went on to explain that while the personal satisfaction of the victory was sweet, the real joy lay in what the club, its coaching staff, and the players have built together over the past three years.
"We've been laying foundations for a while, but the last two weeks have been nothing short of spectacular – incredible performances from an unbelievable group of men," he added. Powell highlighted the unity and confidence that now permeates the squad.
"The lads have such belief in each other that when everyone does their job, anything is possible. That's what we proved this season – it feels immense," he said. He praised the finish to the campaign, describing it as "amazing" and insisting that he could not speak more highly of the players' dedication and work ethic.
"There are still a few boys who can’t quite wrap their heads around what we have achieved. It’s a testament to how good they are, and I’m incredibly proud of them, the club, and the fans," Powell continued. At 61, this was Powell’s first appearance as a head coach in a Super League Grand Final since 2017, when he led the Castleford Tigers to a heavy defeat against the Leeds Rhinos. The victory was even sweeter because it came against Warrington, a club where Powell had previously spent two seasons as head coach before being dismissed in 2023.
"This is the best achievement of my career," he said. "After 2017 I feared I might never win a big final again, but this triumph feels like a redemption story. To come back to Wakefield and do this after a difficult spell at Warrington is phenomenal." Powell also reflected on the supportive environment created by the club’s owner, Matt Ellis, describing Ellis as outspoken and ambitious.
He confessed that even his own expectations had been modest. "I thought this season might be a year too early for us, but the boys proved me wrong.
I imagined maybe next year, but seeing them lift the trophy now is unbelievable," he remarked. He emphasized the strong camaraderie within the squad, noting that the love and loyalty among the players made the achievement even more special. "It can sound a bit soppy, but I’m proud to be associated with these men. Their belief shows that extraordinary things can happen," Powell said.
He drew a vivid picture of his journey, recalling how he once thought the club’s owner was merely trying to sell him a kitchen, only to see Wakefield rise to the pinnacle of the sport. "From that odd first impression to winning the Super League trophy, it’s been an unbelievable three years," he concluded.
Max Jowitt, a long‑serving Wakefield player, echoed the sentiment in an interview with Sky Sports. "The highs are a million per cent worth the lows," he said, admitting that the idea of playing in a Grand Final felt surreal until the day arrived. He described his personal season as a roller‑coaster, dropping to the reserves early on before finding form later in the year.
"If this is my last game for Wakefield, I’ll never forget it," Jowitt added, his voice choked with emotion. Tom Johnstone, the recipient of the Rob Burrow Award, also shared his disbelief. "I keep crying, I can’t help myself! It’s been the longest week of my life," he said, describing the club as "special" and emphasizing that his dream for the past decade had been to win a Grand Final with Wakefield.
He credited Powell with selling the vision of a club with ambition and belief. "I believed every word, and now we’re here. We wouldn’t have done this without that belief – it’s the foundation of everything we’ve built," Johnstone explained.
The triumph represents more than just a trophy; it signals a dramatic turnaround for a club that was relegated only a year earlier. It showcases the power of strong leadership, cohesive team culture, and unwavering belief. As Powell and his players celebrate, they also look ahead, confident that the momentum they have generated can propel Wakefield to further success in the coming seasons.
The story of Wakefield Trinity’s ascent—from a second‑tier side to Super League champions—serves as a reminder that with the right mix of vision, perseverance, and collective spirit, even the most improbable dreams can become reality.