Warrington boss Daryl Powell lauds “massive turnaround” following 18-12 victory at Hull KR
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Following their 18-12 away victory over Hull KR, Warrington head coach Daryl Powell has praised his side’s impressive turnaround after labelling last year’s defeat as “one of the worst” at Craven Park.
Warrington fell to a 34-18 score in the same fixture last April, but have come a long way since then.
It was the club’s fifth consecutive loss at the time, with Powell offering to meet disgruntled fans and explain his long-term plans at the club.
The Warrington boss underwent a massive squad overhaul ahead of 2023 that is paying off. The side remain unbeaten with four wins from four, sitting at the top of the Super League table.
Warrington scored tries through Thomas Mikaele, the returning Matty Nicholson and Paul Vaughan, with skipper Stefan Ratchford converting all three in the victory.
Daryl Powell on Hull KR victory
“This game last year was one of the worst and to come and do what we have done, to see the fans connecting with the players at the end, it’s such a massive turnaround,” Powell said in his post-match press conference.
“The game was such a tough one, we knew it was going to be.
“With the ball I don’t think we were really great and we just had to work really hard to win.
“A team grittiness which is right up there. Rugby league is one of those games you just have to win like that.
“We end up scoring with the only real set we have on their line in the (second) half. It’s tough coming here.
“It was a phenomenal team effort. In terms of the way we defended that is as tough a game as you are going to get.”
Powell singled Vaughan out for praise following his try in the dying minutes to clinch the victory. Wire had led 12-10 with minutes to go until the 31-year-old Australia prop forward forced his way over.
He added: “He is doing a great job. I was looking at some of his footwork in the second half when he is beating people.
“His first stints are very good, his second stints are phenomenal.”
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