I don’t mind Powell, but I’m also realistic that he hasn’t met the challenge that is in front of him yet. Wane and McDermott have, Flanagan has in Australia. Even Bennett and Bellamy were off contract at the time of the appointment. To be clear, we don’t need a re-build. We don’t need “transition”, we have a marquee squad who need to WIN! We need someone with that X factor in big games to get teams over the line.

Powell did a decent job at Leeds, don’t get me wrong. But to credit him with the dynasty that followed is a reach. Fev, great job. But it’s not comparable really. Cas, took them a long way, but now are undoubtedly in decline. Lee Radford is a more successful coach than him, in a shorter timeframe is a basketcase club. But he was never considered a candidate.

I don’t have a problem with Powell, and I hope he’s a success. But I do question the appointment, the same as I questioned Price.

INOUT

In your assessment you are neglecting to mention £.

He had Castleford outperforming their cap limit and had a number of man of steel players whilst improving young players.

Anyway what are the options? We had 3 barren years with Price, another 1 wont hurt and give Powell the chance.

£ is one of the things that the board should have factored in though, as I’ve said. There’s little evidence that he can work with stars (debate on who the stars are aside), as Chase and Hardaker went off the rails and the others moved on quickly.

Paul Anderson has the same amount of trophies, and had success with a limited squad, but if he got the job we’d be scratching our heads in amazement.

My point is that the recruiting panel don’t seem to have a criteria for the post. The board have curated a squad of stars (at time of purchase) but haven’t got a leader who can get the best out of them. This isn’t a Powell bashing, this is that the direction from the executive isn’t clear.

To me, right now, it looks like the Cullen era when we had Monaghan, King, Anderson, Hicks etc and all the tools to compete but unfortunately the leader couldn’t squeeze the best out of them. And I love Paul Cullen, but the difference between Tony Smith and Paul Cullen is night and day.

If the board are maximising the cap, using the marquees and putting all of the available tools on the table for success, the coach must be a part of that plan, not just someone to hand out shirts. They need to knit the personalities, the EGO’s and the skills together to make a team.

I’m not saying Price is/was better (looks that way at the moment, his stock is rising with every poor week), but what I am saying is that we announced Price was leaving before a ball had been kicked, why rush and jump in to a decision unless it is the outstanding candidate.

I think many will share the comments on our recruitment strategy (if there is one). I would like to see us have a Director of Rugby who can have a longer term view on recruitment, retention, strategy, facilities, standards, sporting direction. Free up Karl to concentrate on marketing and non sporting operations.

Price should be remembered for the CC win balanced with the 3 limp out playoffs. He had 4 seasons. 3 seasons to apply a "quick fix" which he never did. Powell has come into a circus show of a club and playing squad and has had 10 games or so.

If we are still in this predicament in 12 months time and not showing progress then I will be calling for him to go. Until then I back him 100%.

It's more like the Cullen era when we had Reardon, Rauhihi, Sullivan, Vinnie Anderson, Swann. Players who were past their best or not as good as we thought.