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Three years on: How Daryl Powell transformed Wakefield Trinity from basement boys to Super League Champions

Today, Saturday 24 October, marks exactly three years since Wakefield Trinity made one of the most transformative managerial appointments in modern rugby league history by confirming Daryl Powell as their new head coach. When Powell put pen to paper on…

By Molly Fairhurst · Serious About Rugby League

Published: Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 2:30 PM

Key Things to Know

Molly Fairhurst reflects on Daryl Powell transforming Wakefield Trinity from relegation to Super League champions in three years.
Powell signed a four-year deal as head coach at Belle Vue in October 2023 alongside owner Matt Ellis.
Wakefield secured promotion in 2024 by winning the Championship League Leaders' Shield, 1895 Cup, and Grand Final.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Molly Fairhurst highlights the three-year anniversary of Daryl Powell becoming Wakefield Trinity head coach, tracing the club's dramatic rise from relegation to Super League champions. Following Powell's appointment on a four-year contract in October 2023, Trinity partnered his sporting vision with owner Matt Ellis's off-field investment to spark an unprecedented turnaround.

Wakefield achieved a Championship treble in 2024 by claiming the League Leaders' Shield, the 1895 Cup at Wembley, and the Grand Final. After earning top-tier IMG grading, key forward signings including Ky Rodwell, Mike McMeeken, and Caius Fa'atili helped propel Trinity to their historic Super League Grand Final victory.

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