I think the plan for this season is pretty clear, and it doesn’t need much time to gel. It’s simply putting big bodies on the field to create enough momentum for Clark/Williams/Dufty to do something with it. There is no craft of guile in the outside backs (although carrying vacancies) so any creativity is all on Williams and Dufty. I’d argue, even including Ratchford/Matautia/Wrench our player most likely to create chances through passes or kicks is Currie, Williams & Dufty aside.

We’ll know sooner rather than later whether the plan is working. I fear that without Williams in particular we are in trouble. Kicking from open play isn’t necessarily his strong suit, but he is the only one I can see putting in an effective kick to build pressure or create chances.

I’m hopeful for a strong start though, with the World Cup year pushing the season earlier in 2022, and not making play offs, we’ve had our feet up for 5 weeks longer than we would have expected. Even Williams (who is most likely to play in the WC from our bunch) has had a decent rest already.

King was an awkward one though. He was in great form and seemingly had great potential. Powell wouldn't know the problems behind the scenes in 2021. It's a shame Warrington couldn't have paid an experienced ex-NRL or SL coach to come over as a short-term consultant to give an honest appraisal of how we compare 'backroom' as a club against other top professional teams. He could have written a little warning note for Powell. It seems Wane knew about it, and didn't want the challenge.

How does all this "how long does Powell have" balance with the desire to see him giving young players a shot and sticking with them rather than jettisoning them if they don't set the world on fire in their first 10 to 20 games?

If Powell starts the season with Riley Dean and 6 games into the season we've won 3, lost 3, do we say we aren't hitting the ground running, lets ditch him and bring in a proper coach who will make signing an experienced halfback a priority and ship Dean off to the Championship to build his experience?

Well, the two aren't mutually exclusive. A top coach should be able to manage a long term plan to integrate youngsters into the team AND deliver results.

Irrespective of who is making up thr starting 17, Powell has no excuses in 2023. He has another off-season, the players will get a long rest due to non-involvement in the WC and he has the squad he signed. Get on with it.

The words from Adrian Morley regarding Daryl Powell:

“I think they need to keep faith in Daryl Powell because he’s a tried and tested coach,” said the 45-year-old Great Britain legend.

“He’s been coaching in Super League for a very long time and next year he will have a number of players at his disposal who he has brought in. Hopefully he’ll be able to stamp his mark on the team a little bit more, so fingers crossed he can do that.

“Daryl needs to get off to a good start because, if they don’t, then some decisions will have to be made. But I’m sure they will because, while this year has been hard watching them, I’m sure the Wire can come good again next year.

“Daryl has brought in a lot of his own players for next season so the onus is on them to perform and get the team challenging again. We live in hope because, like all my former clubs, Warrington Wolves will always have a special place in my heart.”