Wakefield Trinity in 'good shape' for Wembley final against Sheffield Eagles

Trinity take an 11-match winning run into the 1895 Cup final against Sheffield Eagles and will not be lacking for confidence after some impressive performances in 2024, writes Adam Cheshire.

Their preparation for Wembley has gone according to plan and Powell says everyone at the club is looking forward to the challenge of bringing silverware back to Belle Vue.

He told the Express: “We played Friday night so it gave us an extra couple of days’ preparation. It fell pretty good.

"Sheffield had a tough game at Batley, but I don’t think that counts for much as such. But if you were to pick the preparation you’d pick it this way.

"I think we are in good shape. I thought our second half was really strong against Dewsbury. We are looking forward to it.

"We are looking forward to a challenge and we know it is going to be that.”

As a former Sheffield player Powell knows all about the Eagles’ ability to step up for a one-off game and is expecting his team to be tested.

He said: “You’d be foolish to think they are going to turn up and concede points easy. They have been really good all year.

"We beat them a few weeks back and they have had a couple of tough performances playing Bradford and Batley away, two very difficult fields to go to.

"It is a one-off game. If you look at Sheffield’s history they have been pretty good at picking up wins against the odds. They have got a stacked roster of outstanding coaches and we know they will have something up their sleeves and that we will need to be at our best.”

Powell admits he has a few selection decisions to make with his team.

He explained: “There are a couple of really tough calls. We have got a bit of work to go through with Josh Griffin to see where he is at after his head knock the other week. Then I have got a couple of tough calls.

"We have got a lot of our players playing really well. What do you do? I have got to make a selection. I have got to pick a 17 and that is not an easy feat.

"I need to get it right but there will be a couple of disappointed boys. That’s the way team sport is. Not everybody can be involved unfortunately.

"They are difficult conversations but it’s better that it’s that way than trying to scrape together a team.

“It’s difficult, missing out on big games, nobody wants to do that. I have done it for a fair few years now so I understand it.

"I know that players get frustrated and have their own reasons why they should be in the team. I have just got to try and give them the best possible words.”

Powell has Wembley experience from recent years when head coach at Castleford Tigers and reckons that while it is a great experience it is all about coming back with a victory.

He added: “You don’t go down there and enjoy it if you don’t come away with the win.

"That’s pretty important. Ultimately you have got to play the game before you get to that.

"We have been pretty diligent with our preparation all year. The scoreline takes care of itself if you get your game right.

"I feel like we have got a really good squad, the boys are really well motivated and are looking forward to the challenge.”