Wakefield Trinity v Wigan Warriors: Hosts in good position to challenge, says Daryl Powell ahead of latest test

Daryl Powell's side sit third at the halfway mark of the campaign, a far cry from the tail end of their previous stint as a top-flight club.

Back then, they were simply fighting for survival and ultimately lost that battle in 2023.

Such has been the impact of Powell and ambitious owner Matt Ellis that the Wakefield of today are viewed in a completely different light.

Once perennial strugglers, Trinity now look right at home at the top end of Super League.

The Belle Vue outfit marked their first season back with a play-off appearance and are threatening to scale new heights after a solid start to 2026.

"I think we've been really good, really competitive," said Powell ahead of Friday's home clash with Wigan Warriors.

"The boys have been class. Some of our players have improved significantly again this year.

"We're in a great place. We recognise there are some big challenges for us over the second half of the season, none bigger than what we're going to face on Friday night.

"I feel like we've taken a step forward from last year. We're in a good position to challenge.

"If you'd told us this is where we'd be halfway through, I reckon we'd have taken it."

Sitting above last season's Grand Finalists is a position Trinity would certainly have accepted at the start of the year.

In previous seasons, that might have been enough to sit at the summit but the strength of the top six means Wigan and Hull KR currently occupy the final play-off places.

Powell, however, believes there are mitigating factors.

"What Hull KR have done through the first part of the season has been challenging," he added. "They'll be feeling like they can get back in and amongst it.

"Wigan gave a game away the other week (with a weakened side against the Robins before the Challenge Cup final). They're such a smart team that they know they'll be there or thereabouts.

"Leeds have done a good job and improved like us. Warrington have confounded people a little bit. They keep winning.

"I think it's a good top six. It's challenging. We want to stay in there. There's Leigh outside the six as well who are going to come on a run. They're a quality team.

"It's going to be a great shootout for the top six."

Few tests of Wakefield's progress were likely to be sterner than back-to-back home games against Rovers and Wigan, even accounting for the after-effects of their recent tussle at Wembley.

Trinity have faced their own challenges since completing the first part of that assignment.

Corey Hall and Mason Lino were casualties of last week's hard-fought win over the Robins, while Jazz Tevaga picked up a ban.

Josh Rourke and Oli Pratt are also struggling with knocks, leaving their participation against Wigan in doubt.

"There are a few boys missing but I tell you what is in place – our pack," said Powell.

"Our pack has been phenomenal all season. We'll just keep growing confidence in what we can do there.

"We're going to have to play well. They're such a good team at the moment that we know we have to defend superbly well.

"Keeping them out is a tough challenge because they've got threats everywhere. That left edge of theirs is on fire. (Junior) Nsemba is causing mayhem over there so we need to deal with him well.

"To break them down, you've got to execute well. You've also got to play. You can't go one-out against them – you've got to move the ball, show shape and a little bit of creativity.

"I don't think there's any pressure on us. We did a pretty good job last week. Those two points were great and kept us in a good position.

"Challenging ourselves against two of the best three teams has been a great chance for us. We've revelled in it so far."

Another statement win on Friday would heighten expectations around what is achievable for Wakefield in the second half of the season.

After facing Wigan, Trinity can look forward to a run of games against bottom-half sides in Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers.

Powell, however, is keen to manage the sense of anticipation.

"There's such a long way to go and so much water to go under the bridge," he said.

"We've just got to keep chipping away at it and keep winning. That's all that's important.

"I don't think there's any point looking over your shoulder. We've got to focus on getting better and building the confidence that we can beat anybody. That's going to be our mentality."