Sports editor Mike Parsons gives his opinion on what could be a driving force behind Powell's time in charge of The Wire from 2022

DARYL Powell may feel he could take a lot of gratification out of becoming a coach that steers Warrington Wolves to Grand Final glory...for more reasons than the obvious.

A lot of water has flowed beneath the bridge since, but Powell was doing nicely as head coach of Leeds Rhinos in 2003 when he suddenly found himself being moved 'upstairs' into a director of rugby role it is widely viewed he did not want in order to make way for Tony Smith – who had guided Huddersfield back into Super League in considerable style.

At the time, under Powell, Leeds had been narrow losers to arch-rivals Bradford Bulls in the 2003 Challenge Cup Final and were sitting with a commanding league at the Super League summit – a much improved situation from prior to Powell's appointment at the end of his playing career in 2001.

Warrington Guardian:

Daryl Powell during his playing days with Leeds Rhinos. Picture: SWpix.com

It must have been a kick in the teeth for Powell, who did not hang around at Headingley for long and progressed his career initially at international level as assistant coach of Ireland and then in rugby union with Leeds Tykes.

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With a platform laid by Powell, which included him handing debuts to rising Rhinos stars Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Matt Diskin and Ryan Bailey, it must have been sickening for him the following season to see Smith guide Leeds Rhinos to their first Championship for 32 years.

Fast-forward and Smith was the man Warrington sought out in 2009 to pursue the holy grail, bringing a first league title to the club since 1955.

It was not for the want of trying as The Wire reached their first Super League Grand Final in 2012 and were runners-up again under Smith in 2013 and 2016.

There was much to enjoy in the process, with three Challenge Cup triumphs in 2009, 2010 and 2012 as well as League Leaders' Shield successes in 2011 and 2016.

It will long be considered one of the strongest periods in the club's history but the coveted Grand Final win remained elusive – and still does to the frustration of all involved with The Wire.

If Powell could come in, weave some magic and achieve something that Smith could not, undoubtedly it would put the smile of a Cheshire cat on the face of a proud Yorkshireman.

This is motivation driven by what could be considered a sense of injustice and may be a very powerful weapon indeed in the next Wire chapter under Powell.