Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell has weighed in on his side’s playoff battle, admitting the current race for the top six is “great for the league”. Powell also commented on what he expects from his two outgoing loanees this weekend.
Trinity take on Wigan Warriors this weekend in a crucial clash for both sides’ current hopes. Wigan need to close the six-point gap between themselves and Hull KR, whilst maintaining their lead over St Helens and Leeds. Wakefield need to win to keep at least one point behind Hull FC for the final playoff spot. With results going their way, they could even leapfrog Hull into sixth place.
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s away trip to the Warriors, Powell admitted the tension and drama is just what the league needs.
“There’s plenty of stories to be told here. Just look at St Helens eight weeks ago [compared to now]. They’re one of the top two teams in the comp at the moment. I think things turn really quickly… and it’s always a battle to find form and maintain form, and I think Wigan are in that at the moment. They’re just around the corner from their best game, that’s the way it is in all sports, particularly rugby league.”
“I just think it’s great for the league that we’ve got this battle. I think it’s quite intriguing and exciting, and yeah I don’t know. We just aim to win all of our games, that probably gets us in. We’ve just got to go hell for leather every game, play our best game and if we do that we’ll be in with a great chance. It would be a great story and a good opportunity for us.”
The 60-year-old gave a word on their playoff rivals, saying: “I tipped Hull to win last week against Leigh. They’ve got some tough challenges coming up. They’ve been tough and durable this year, I think they’ve had a couple of shocks this week with some injury news, we’ve had that all the way through the year.
Wakefield Trinity boss sets targets for duo heading on loan
This week, Trinity have confirmed that two of their players will be heading out on loan to different Super League clubs, in a bid to gain match fitness and experience.
Oliver Russell, who has been suffering with a hand injury for the majority of the season, recently made his comeback on loan at Salford, but has found first team playing time hard to come by. Injuries to Huddersfield half backs have meant he can re-join his former club for the rest of the year, as he tries to find some consistency and form heading into 2026.
On the move, Powell said: “I mentioned to Oli Salford again, which he obviously played there before, and I think for him it probably wasn’t the right thing. I thought he did a good job whilst he was there, but then Huddersfield, with Matt Frawley getting injured, came up and this gives him a chance.”
“He can’t play against us next week, so he gets a game and then potentially the three [after]. It’s a good chance for him just to get playing. We’ve been in dialogue with him all the way through and he’s handled things pretty well. ”
Youngster Neil Tchamambe has scored nine tries in 10 appearances out on loan at Goole Vikings this year, and was due to make his Super League debut last week against Salford Red Devils. However, after they withdrew from the fixture, his maiden first team game was delayed, and will now link up with the Red Devils as they take on Leigh Leopards on Friday night.
Powell hopes the winger can try and make a name for himself in the fixture: “It’s obviously tough going and playing at a team when you’ve only trained once or twice, it’s not an awful lot. But, ultimately, he plays in a simple position. He’s on the wing, he doesn’t have to organise plays, he can carry the ball in backfield and get on the end of some kicks, because that’s one of his key threats. If he plays to his potential, it’s an awesome opportunity for him.”
