Wakefield Trinity’s head coach Daryl Powell has admitted that many of his squad were left in disbelief after the club’s astonishing Super League Grand Final triumph – a victory that came just two years after the team had been competing in England’s second‑tier competition. The Wildcats secured their inaugural Super League championship by defeating Warrington Wolves 23‑10 at Old Trafford, a win that followed a dominant 33‑6 semi‑final demolition of heavy favourites Wigan Warriors. This historic triumph marked the first league title for Wakefield since 1968, ending a 58‑year drought and doing so after the club had been relegated from the Super League in 2023 and spent the 2024 season in the Championship under Powell’s guidance.
"I’m genuinely amazed at the players and the level they’ve reached," Powell said, his voice tinged with pride. "It’s a massive personal achievement, but more importantly it reflects everything the club, the players and the coaching staff have built over the past three years. It’s phenomenal." He went on to highlight the extraordinary performances over the final fortnight of the campaign, describing the squad as an "unbelievable group of players" who displayed unwavering confidence in one another.
"When everyone does their job, the possibilities are endless. That’s what we proved this season – it’s immense." Powell praised the team’s camaraderie and work ethic, adding, "I can’t speak highly enough of the lads.
Their dedication, their belief in each other, it’s been a joy to coach. It makes my job feel effortless." At 61, this was Powell’s first appearance as a head coach in a Super League Grand Final since 2017, when he led Castleford Tigers to a heavy defeat against Leeds Rhinos.
The victory carried extra significance because it came against Warrington, a club Powell himself had managed for two seasons before being dismissed in 2023. "This is the best achievement of my career," he reflected. "After 2017 I feared I might never win a big final.
My time at Warrington was tough, so to come back with Wakefield and lift this trophy is phenomenal. It feels like I’ve finally found a place where I belong, surrounded by men who can achieve something special." Powell also credited the club’s ambitious owner, Matt Ellis, for creating an environment that exceeded even his own lofty expectations. "I thought this season might be a year too early, but the boys have proved me wrong," he said. "Next year could be even bigger.
The love and unity in this group is extraordinary – it can get a bit soppy, but it’s genuine." He continued, "Other clubs have had great moments, but our story is unique. From thinking the owner was trying to sell me a kitchen to holding the Super League trophy – it’s been an unbelievable three years." Wakefield’s Max Jowitt told Sky Sports, "The highs are a million percent worth the lows. It didn’t feel real that we were in a Grand Final until we actually got there.
It’s been a roller‑coaster year for me personally – dropping to the reserves, losing form, then getting a chance late in the season. To finish my Wakefield career with this win, I’ll never forget it." Rob Burrow Award winner Tom Johnstone also expressed his emotion, saying, "I can’t believe it. I keep crying, I can’t help myself! This club means everything to me.
My dream for the last ten years has been to win a Grand Final with Wakefield. Daryl Powell sold us the dream that we were a club with ambition, and I believed every word. We wouldn’t be here without that belief – we built our foundation on it." The victory not only crowns Wakefield Trinity as Super League champions for the first time in the club’s history but also signals a remarkable turnaround for a side that was relegated just a season ago.
Powell’s leadership, the players’ resilience, and the unwavering support from the fanbase have combined to create a narrative that will be remembered for generations. Looking ahead, Powell believes the momentum can be sustained.
"This club can do anything," he asserted. "I felt this year might have been a bit early, but the boys have shown me otherwise. I’m thrilled for the players – you can’t write that down, it’s just unbelievable.
You never know when another chance like this will come, but there’s a lot of love in this team. It’s a bit soppy at times, but wow, what a group of men. I’m proud to be associated with them." In summary, Daryl Powell’s words capture a mixture of awe, gratitude and optimism.
From the shock of a historic Grand Final win to the belief that the club’s best days may still be ahead, Wakefield Trinity’s story this season stands as a testament to perseverance, strategic vision and the power of collective belief.