DARYL Powell paid tribute to the Warrington Wolves fans following Friday night’s win over Hull FC.

He says the supporters “carried” his side to victory – their first in two months – in a try-less encounter at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The Wire were 4-0 victors to end a five-game losing streak, with two second-half penalties from Stefan Ratchford sufficient to earn victory.

“I thought the fans were awesome – it was a tight game and they really helped us to get over the line,” he said.

“They were behind us right from the start – it was nervous in the first half but in the second half, they carried us.

“It really helps when you’re under pressure and that was a big plus.”

Powell also reserved praise for several individual performances from his players.

One of them was the returning Peter Mata’utia, who was back in the side after a one-match suspension.

Having been named in the centres, Mata’utia quickly switched to stand-off with Stefan Ratchford moving into the three-quarter line.

Powell says the Samoan international was “phenomenal” in dealing with some of the Black and Whites’ dangermen.

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“I’m just trying to get the best team out there,” he said, explaining the positional switch.

“I felt that Pete would give us that sense of organisation that we haven’t had and I thought he was phenomenal.

“The way he dealt with Manu Ma’u defensively was excellent. They lost Luke Gale early but their left edge is really strong and I thought Pete was phenomenal in dealing with it.”

There was also a full Wire debut for James Harrison, who was playing only his second game in nearly a year following an ACL injury.

After a run-out with the reserves earlier this month, he earned the chance to shine and Powell was pleased with his display.

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He also hailed the performance of home debutant Thomas Mikaele as “exceptional.”

“James just needed to get out there. That was his second game in nine months and it’s a fair step up from his first game,” he said.

“I thought he did really well – he defended exceptionally.

“He got belted a couple of times so it was a great introduction for him but overall, I thought he was good.

“You can see how good Thomas is going to be with his footwork, strength and size.

“He’s got an offload in there which I think he needs to be a little bit more accurate with, but he gave us some real punch when we needed it off the bench. I thought he was exceptional.”

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Three players who have come in for regular praise this season are young outside-back trio Josh Thewlis, Connor Wrench and Matty Ashton.

It was announced prior to kick-off that Thewlis had penned a new long-term deal with the club until 2026 and he marked the occasion with an impressive display, earning the sponsors’ man of the match award.

He almost completed a perfect night with a try, but his touchdown in the right corner was ruled out for a forward pass.

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“He's one of the bravest players I’ve ever seen if I’m honest,” Powell said of the 20-year-old.

“I thought it was a try for him at the end but refs make those calls sometimes.

“I think him, Connor Wrench and Matty Ashton are just brave young kids who get after it and they’re only going to get better.

“Backing them to do what they’re doing is a big thing for me at the moment.

“Regardless of any pressure I’m under, I think putting those boys in there is pivotal for us.

“They’re growing and proving that young players are important for us. I’m really proud of those guys.”

All pictures by Mike Boden