Sam Powell: Milestone man would love to finish his career at Wigan

Wigan hooker Sam Powell is set to make his 250th appearance for his hometown club – and would love to remain a Warrior for the rest of his career.

The 30-year-old will play his 250th game for the Warriors when he makes a return from a seven-week injury lay-off in Friday’s semi-final play-off against Leeds.

“I’m really proud and it is a special moment for myself,” Powell said.

“I must give thanks to all the coaches I’ve had over the years and all the players I’ve played with. I’m looking forward to this week. I’m confident we’ll leave it all out there, whatever the result is.”

Powell has won three Super League titles, two League Leaders’ Shields, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge since making his first team debut in 2012.

When asked by Love Rugby League if he wants to finish his career at his boyhood club, Powell said: “I’d like to.

“I’ve never really been in the situation where I thought I’d be leaving or got to the point where I had to look elsewhere. I don’t see why not. As long as I’m playing well and I’m bringing something to the team, then I’d like it to.”

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Sam Powell is Wigan’s Mr Consistent

Wigan coach Matt Peet paid a glowing tribute to Powell ahead of his 250th appearance in Cherry and White.

“He’s a dream day in, day out,” Peet said of Powell.

“In sport the word consistency can get a bad rep but, for me, what you want in a friend and a team-mate is consistency. From day one in pre-season to today, you know exactly what you are going to get with Sam.

“He’s engaged in everything we do as a club. He is present and has opinions and looks after people.

“Sam trains hard. He has a smile on his face and his family is engaged with the club. He’s exactly what kind of member we want in this club.

“He is consistently improving himself and the organisation day in, day out.”

England are on the lookout for a hooker following James Roby’s decision to remain retired from international duty.

Powell has previously captained the England Knights but has yet to make a senior appearance. He would love to play in the World Cup on home soil this autumn.

“I’d love to play in it but we’ll see,” he said. “My focus on this week with Wigan and we’ll see what comes on the back of that.”

Powell is contracted to the Warriors until at least the end of 2024 after signing a two-year contract extension earlier this year.

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