Warrington Wolves 2022 preview: The coach to make it their year
Daryl Powell is the man tasked with ending Warrington’s long wait for a league title.
There are question marks over the strength of the Wolves pack but there’s no arguing that their spine of Stefan Ratchford, George Williams, Gareth Widdop and Daryl Clark is one of the best, if not the best, in the competition.
After three disappointing seasons, and a solitary Challenge Cup final win against the odds, Warrington fans will be hoping Powell can return regular silverware.
It was a logical next step for Powell after his impressive work at Castleford, and he now has the resources at his disposal to go to the next level.
BACKBONE: Warrington spine as good as any in the world, says Daryl Powell
Key man
WINNER: George Williams wants to end “it’s always our year” joke
What they said
Daryl Powell faces two of his former clubs in his first two games in charge.
“It was interesting looking at last year, the way it panned out with with Castleford. The defining games were played against Warrington. You’ve got to play these games, and it’s a tough start.
“Obviously, Leeds have recruited well and have got a crop of unbelievably talented young players, and Castleford. They’re talking about a new era, which obviously is under Lee Radford. They’ve signed a lot of new players as well.
“So a little bit of unknown, but I think the competition’s really exciting this year.
“Looking at what teams have done with the squads and the coaching changes- which add a new dynamic- I think always round it’s a really exciting competition.”
Warrington Wolves 2022 preview: Key info
Coach: Daryl Powell (since November 2021).
Captain: Jack Hughes.
Ins: Oliver Holmes, Peter Mata’utia (both Castleford), Greg Minikin (Hull KR), James Harrison (Featherstone), Joe Bullock (Wigan), Billy Magoulias (Cronulla).
Out: Chris Hill (Huddersfield), Tom Lineham (Wakefield), Sami Kibula (Bradford), Jake Mamo (Castleford), Blake Austin (Leeds), Sitaleki Akauola (Saford).
Warrington Wolves 2022 preview: squad in full
1. Stefan Ratchford, 2. Josh Charnley, 3. Peter Mata’utia, 4. Toby King, 5. Matty Ashton, 6. Gareth Widdop, 7. George Williams, 8. Joe Philbin, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Mike Cooper, 11. Ben Currie, 12. Oliver Holmes, 13. Jack Hughes, 14. Jason Clark, 15. Joe Bullock, 16. Danny Walker, 17. Matt Davis, 18. Billy Magoulias, 19. Robbie Mulhern, 20. James Harrison, 21. Greg Minikin, 22. Josh Thewlis, 23. Connor Wrench, 24. Ellis Longstaff, 25. Ellis Robson, 26. Rob Butler, 27. Riley Dean, 28. Eribe Doro, 29. Jacob Gannon, 30 Morgan Burgess, 31 Tom Whitehead.
Warrington odds: Grand Final winner 9/2 (2nd), Regular season winner 7/2 (2nd)
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