Relagation/Powell in

Quote: Gazwire "It would be interesting to see where people stand with 2 questions. Just a yes or a no for both

NO. But I am sitting nervously.

YES. I’ll say that on here, but not in person, as I don’t want to get beaten up… The fact is (as Sally pointed out on another thread) that Powell transformed Featherstone and Castleford, and had a big hand in setting Leeds up for a period of success. This was no accident.

I think the problem with Warrington is partly down to humility. We have had a culture of players who earn big bucks but get comfortable. They’re generally past stars who have nothing to prove and although they perform to a high standard generally (down to sheer talent) they don’t have that drive to excel anymore. There’s no incentive. Now Powell has come and turned this comfortable culture upside down. He won’t let the players choose to sit next to their mates at lunch, he won’t let them set their working hours on their terms, and he’s analysing their weaknesses with such attention to detail that they’re offended by any criticism. Added to this he’s changed the style of play, the calls, and he’s told them they’ve got to [iearn[/i a new contract if they want to stay.

Now, we can argue whether he’s gone about this in the right way, and whether he didn’t foresee the anxiety and the loss of confidence that this upheaval would create. However, this time last year we were begging for someone to come in and turn things upside down and overhaul the squad whilst bringing through young talent. And Powell certainly has a history for that. I think this also a learning curve for him though, as previously he’s been dealing with a bunch of fresh, humble and mostly young players who are easy to mould, rather than a comfortable, set-in-their-ways family of past masters who have found a cushy retirement gig to top up the pension.

I’m all in til easter ‘23 and live in hope.