I also have faith in Powell. His biggest problem is that at other clubs he had a bunch of players fighting to make a living and build at least a bit of a reputation to help them get a new contract or a deal elsewhere.
At Warrington, we’ve gone out and offered big contracts to established players who’ve already been there and done it and having nothing to prove. I don’t for one minute think that our top players are intentionally not being ar$ed and taking the pee out of the fans, but psychologically they’re ‘comfortable’. They can coast along at 70% and do just enough, with the occasional moment of brilliance that reminds us of their YouTube highlight reel. Behind the scenes it’s ‘just another job’ for them, and their minds are on enjoying their rugby at the right pace and planning for what comes after rugby, with assurance from our nice club management.
It’s not their fault, it’s the club mindset we’ve created. And it’s time to change it. I suspect we’ll see some short-term desperation signings to bolster the pack (I quite like Vaughan, he’s not that old for a prop and has something to prove), and the backs (apart from Williams) will be classic Powell territory - young fresh players with pace to burn and something to show, even if they’re not current internationals. The cap spread will be more even, and there’ll be less resentment and certainly no arguments about fallen stars getting preferential treatment.
Bring it on please.