Giving time to fans important says Warrington boss Daryl Powell amid record start

From selfies in Perpignan to local pubs in Warrington, head coach Daryl Powell has been feeling the love from supporters in 2023. 

The results on the field in Super League are a contrast to his debut season in charge of the club – but he is a coach who stands by being open and honest with supporters no matter the scores. 

When the going got tough at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, he walked over to sometimes hostile crowds to share his vision for success. And the club has stood by him, reaping the rewards so far this year as they remain unbeaten in eight games to sit at the top of the table.

This time last year in Super League, Powell’s side were four from eight, having fallen to defeats to Catalans, St Helens, Wakefield and Hull KR.

Powell has been loving his time in the Cheshire town so far, and has always enjoyed interacting with fans throughout his time in the sport, labelling himself a ‘rugby league man through and through’.

Daryl Powell: I love the game and I think this is an unbelievable club

“I’ve always done that, wherever I’ve been I’ve been pretty close with the fans,” Powell told Love Rugby League. 

“The clubs I’ve been with will tell you that. It was easy at Cas, obviously I’m from that sort of area but I bought into this (Warrington) area straight away. 

“I moved over here straight away and myself and my wife love the area that we’re living in and everything that it stands for.

“Obviously losing games isn’t great, but when you do start to build a connection with fans and they see that you’re prepared to give your time and that’s all it is, giving time. 

“Even last year when we were under pressure, I was speaking to fans. I never shy away from that stuff. 

“But I’m a rugby league man through and through, I love the game and I think this is an unbelievable club and I’m really enjoying my time here. 

“I’m hoping that I can continue to grow that sort of affinity with the club with the fans. 

“They’ve supported us unbelievably well so far this season. Every time we’ve been away from home, look at the south of France with 500 people over there.

“Huddersfields was rammed, Castleford was rammed.

“Everywhere we’ve been, they’ve been class and we’ve won away from home on the back of some of the connection that they create with the players and we’re thankful for the way that they’re supporting us.”

Warrington’s Round Nine clash with Wigan on Friday night at the Halliwell Jones Stadium is also heading towards a sell-out as the the sides battle it out for the Locker Cup.

Daryl Powell’s barmy army 🎶😅 pic.twitter.com/f7VjT3PF1Z

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) April 8, 2023

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