Super League Grand Final: Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell on 'phenomenal, immense' run to title at Old Trafford

Wakefield Trinity head coach Daryl Powell revealed members of his playing squad were in shock following their stunning Super League Grand Final victory, two years on from playing in England's second tier.

Wakefield were crowned Super League champions for the first time in the club's history with a resounding 23-10 victory over Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford, a week on from travelling to huge favourites Wigan Warriors and dispatching of them 33-6 in the semi-finals.

The success proved Wakefield's first league title for 58 years dating back to 1968, and all the more remarkable considering they were relegated from Super League in 2023, playing the 2024 season in the Championship under Powell.

"I'm just amazed really at the players and how good they've been," Powell said.

• Wakefield claim historic win over Warrington to become Super League champions
• 'Surreal' - Super League Grand Final reaction as sensational Wakefield clinch title
• Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free on NOW
• Choose the Sky Sports notifications you want

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

"Obviously it's pretty sweet for me as an individual but for the club, the players, the coaching staff, everything that we've built up over the last three years is phenomenal.

"We've been building for a while but the last two weeks in particular have been just incredible performances from an unbelievable group of players.

"The boys have got such confidence in each other, that if we all do our jobs then we can do anything we want. We've done that this year. It's just immense.

"It's been an amazing finish to the season, wow. I couldn't speak more highly of the boys about everything they do, really.

"I know there's quite a few boys in there who just can't believe it. That we've been able to do all that.

"But it's just a testament to how good they are. I'm so proud of everything. The club, the fans - the way that they've been - obviously the players. They are just such a pleasure to coach and be around. It makes it an easy job."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

For Powell, 61, it was his first time leading a side out in a Super League Grand Final since 2017, when he was Castleford Tigers head coach and lost heavily to Leeds Rhinos.

Saturday's success was made even sweeter for Powell by the fact it came against Warrington, where he coached for two seasons before being dismissed in 2023.

"This is the best [achievement], really," he added. "It looked like maybe I'd slip through my career and not win the big game after 2017 and it's been a long time.

"I had a tough time at Warrington, and then to come back and do this with Wakefield, it's phenomenal.

"For me, it's right up there. Just being at Wakefield and feeling at home again in a place and being able to get a group of men together who can do special things, it's unbelievable.

"I've had some great times in my coaching career, but this is the best."

'I felt this year might be one too early - but this club can go anywhere'

Backed by an outspoken and ambitious owner in Matt Ellis, Powell admits clinching the Super League title this year was even beyond his own wild expectations and hopes.

He now believes his team and the club can kick on even more.

"This club can do anything, really," he says.

"I felt like this year might be one year too early for us but the boys have proven me wrong.

"I felt like next year, maybe. I'm so pleased for the players, you can't write that stuff, can you? It's unbelievable.

"You don't know when you're going to have another chance at this sort of stuff. I feel there's a lot of love in this team and group.

"It's kind of a bit soppy at times, but wow, what a group of men. I'm so proud to be associated with them.

"It shows special things can be achieved.

"Some other clubs have done great things, maybe at different timescales, but this is an unbelievable story. From me thinking a bloke was trying to sell me a kitchen [owner Matt Ellis] to winning the Super League trophy. It's been an unbelievable three years."

Jowitt: A rollercoaster of a year for me - highs are worth the lows

Wakefield's Max Jowitt to Sky Sports:

"A million per cent the highs are worth the lows.

"It didn't feel real that we were playing a Grand Final until we got here today.

"A rollercoaster of a year for me personally after dropping down to the reserves, not finding form, but I got my opportunity at the back end of the year.

"For this to be my last game for Wakefield, I will never forget it."

'Emotional' Johnstone: I can't believe it - my dream for the last decade!

Rob Burrow Award winner Tom Johnstone to Sky Sports:

"I can't quite believe it. I keep crying, I can't help myself! Such a special club, it's been the longest week of my life.

"To get out there and get it done, I don't know what to say.

"This club means eveyrthing to me. I've been saying it for a long time. My dream the last 10 years was to win a Grand Final with Wakefield.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

"Daryl Powell sold me the dream that we were a club that had aspirations and wanted to win things.

"I believed every word they said and this is where we are now.

"We don't do this without that belief we have. We built our foundation on that."