DARYL Powell says it was "only right" that Gareth Widdop was allowed to return to Australia during the off-season.

Widdop is back in the country where he spent the vast majority of his adult life in order to spend time with his children, who returned to Australia shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold.

With travel restrictions now more relaxed than they were this time last year, the half-back took the chance to spend time with his family Down Under and is not expected to report back to Warrington Wolves until after Christmas.

Powell made meeting up with Widdop, who is entering the final season of his three-year marquee contract with the club, one of his first priorities upon being named as the incoming head coach back in April.

He stressed how important it was to be "flexible" with the 32-year-old.

"When I got the job, I met up with Gaz and obviously, I wanted him to fulfil his contract," Powell said.

"It’s been difficult for him – you can’t imagine how hard this time has been for Gaz.

"It was only right that we gave him the opportunity to go and spend some time with his kids."

Widdop's half-back partnership with fellow England international George Williams will, of course, be critical as Powell sets about implementing a new style of play at The Wire.

During 2021, Widdop showed his best form in a Warrington shirt, leading to him being named the club's player of the year as well as featuring on the shortlist for the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award.

Powell is confident he will return to England in the best possible shape to get straight to work in the new year.

"He’s an experienced player, he looks after himself and we wanted to be pretty flexible with him," he said.

"He’ll come back in after Christmas, then we’ve got six weeks to absolutely nail how the team plays.

"He’s an important part of that, so that time after Christmas will be pretty crucial."