Daryl Powell hails Warrington’s desire
Warrington head coach Daryl Powell has been impressed with his squad during pre-season as the Super League opening weekend edges closer.
Powell took charge of Warrington for his first pre-season after making the switch from Castleford.
The 56-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Wolves from 2022, bringing along Oliver Holmes and Peter Mata’utia with him.
The squad have returned to their pre-season schedule after the Christmas break.
Read more: How Daryl Powell is hoping to transform Warrington
Daryl Powell praises Warrington squad
He told Warrington Wolves Youtube: “The boys have been great. Time flies, we’re just over a week back in now. It’s been great and the boys have really looked after themselves over Christmas and they’re training exceptionally well.
“I think we’re in a great place. The quality of the players here, they’ve picked things up pretty quickly.
“It’s about stepping up the intensity and making sure that everybody understands exactly what we’re looking for.
“I think there’s a really good understanding in the group. I’ve been so impressed with the players in the way they’ve gone after the work. Just a couple more weeks now and we’ll ripping in getting ready for a game.”
Read more: Gareth Widdop excited to get full season with George Williams
Daryl Powell on 2022 squad
The Halliwell Jones Stadium side have been busy during the off-season, adding a handful of new faces to their squad for the upcoming campaign.
Joe Bullock makes the move from Wigan, who will link up with former NRL forward Billy Magoulias in the pack.
Greg Minikin and Mata’utia also join the options in the backs for Powell.
Pre-season has also seen Gareth Widdop and George Williams partner in the halves, and Powell is excited by the club’s back-line.
“He’s such an experienced player,” Powell said on Widdop.
“He’s played in massive games, he’s so experienced.
“He’s got a great skill set. He’s just a great guy as well.
“I think the one thing I’ve been really impressed with is just how good quality people the players are. They’re easy to coach, they listen and crack on and they’ve obviously got strong opinions as well which is always great.
“You look at the spine of the team with Gaz (Widdop) and George (Williams) and Stef (Ratchford). Riley Dean is training well, as well. That’s great.
“Full-back options with Josh Thewlis and Matty Ashton, so the spine of the team, the people who make big decisions, the club is in great hands.”
