Daryl Powell admits he’s “no excuses” for any more Warrington failure - but now has the players to make sure that doesn’t happen.
After a horrendous first campaign in charge, when only relegated Toulouse finished below his big-spending side, pressure is on the head coach. Powell has overhauled his squad, ditching many under-performers and bringing in key signings ahead of the Betfred Super League February 16 kick-off against Leeds Rhinos. He’s spoken of a new “mentality” in his group but knows they have to deliver. Quickly.
Powell said: “I felt the squad needed to be refreshed. That creates its own problems. It was a tough year. And I understand people will keep asking me about it. But it’s a fresh start for everybody now. I have no excuses. I won’t look for any excuses. Not that I did last year. We’ve got quality players in every position and we have to deliver a brand and quality of rugby league that makes everyone proud.”
Captain Jack Hughes, Great Britain stand-off Gareth Widdop and England winger Josh Charnley were some of those big names let go. Asked how he changes the mentality of a squad that shipped points for fun, Powell bluntly responded: “We had 13 players off contract…
“If we were being successful we'd have kept more of them. There’s a lot that left. But sometimes things need freshening up and mentality comes from recruitment in a big way. We’ve recruited players who've played at a high level, some internationals, and getting your environment right comes from how your leaders behave.”
The capture of ex-Australia forwards Josh McGuire and Paul Vaughan plus Catalans props Sam Kasiano and Gil Dudson bolsters a pack that was bullied too often last term. And Powell announced long-serving Stefan Ratchford as his new captain on Wednesday. But the ex-Castleford boss understands how crucial it is to get off to a flying start to finally put 2022's negativity to bed.
At the club's 2023 media day, he conceded: “The first questions I’ve been asked about today are all on last year. It is important we start well. It’s not the be all and end all especially when you look at what Leeds did last year. But we don’t want to be coming from backfield. And our rugby has to look completely different and have an edge about it. We’ve got a lot to prove. And it’s about us now getting on showing the team we are. Not the team we were.”
