Happy to be back: Powell

[josie andrews]

Sam Powell looks ahead to Wigan Warriors’ next game against Hull FC at the DW Stadium.

Powell: “A win against Hull would turn an okay start into a good one.”

Wigan Warriors vs Hull FC (DW Stadium, 23rd February, K.O. 3pm).

Sam Powell is looking forward to returning to match action as he prepares to feature in Sunday’s game against Hull FC at the DW Stadium.

The Wigan Warriors hooker has been on the side-lines in the last two Betfred Super League fixtures after being forced off the field of play, due to concussion, in the opening round against Warrington Wolves.

He said: “It’s frustrating that I’ve only played 20 minutes in three games, but that’s rugby league and sometimes it happens. I just need to make sure that I’m right when I’m back and try to be as consistent as I can.

“I’m happy to be back in full training and hopefully I can get the nod for the weekend. It’s something that I don’t want to be rushing into, as I saw a specialist last week but still didn’t feel quite right.”

So far this season, Adrian Lam’s side have won two and lost one, with Powell seeing plenty of positives.

“We’ve not played fantastic but we’re in a better position than last year, so that is a positive, and a win against Hull would turn an okay start into a good one. You have to be playing really well because anyone can beat anyone on their day now, so you have to make sure you’re playing some good rugby.”

Powell is also pleased with how some of his new teammates have settled in since arriving at the Club.

“Jackson (Hastings) has slotted in nicely, Jake (Bibby) has fitted in well and I think good things will come from big George (Burgess), so it’s decent that we’ve got people who have only just joined the Club enjoying themselves, which is important at this time of year.”

The 27-year-old knows the Warriors must be ready for the visit of Hull and utilise the time they’ve got to prepare with it being a Thursday-Sunday turnaround.

“They’re a big physical team, I’m expecting a full-on start because they’ll want to bounce back from the St Helens game. We’ve got a whole week to prepare so we need to use that to our advantage and get some good practice in to make sure we’re 100 percent ready and focused for the game.”

When the two teams met last season, both encounters were decided by only one point, in two tight matches.

“It’s always going to be a tough game because it’s two big clubs going at it, especially if both are in the right frame of mind. It’s one that I am looking forward to be a part of.”

Whilst the Warriors came away from the KCOM Stadium with a 14-15 win back in June last year, they suffered a 22-23 golden point defeat in the last meeting at the DW Stadium.

“It’s never nice going into golden point, I know it’s exciting for the fans, but it’s quite draining for the players especially after 80 minutes of playing,” Powell said.

Grab your tickets for Sunday’s Betfred Super League clash vs Hull FC at the DW Stadium.

https://www.wiganwarriors.com/news/2020 ... ack-powell

[Mike]

Hope Smith keeps his spot when Powell returns. Just spell tommy and Powell I'd say.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[Gerrumonside]

Am with you with Smith keeping his spot but I hope Powell makes the team also - would be good having the option with either Sam/Tommy off the bench!

[southportcdm]

I agree with the last two posters. Smith needs game time to develop this season, without being over played, so coming off the bench in some games would be a good tactic. Unless we make a major signing next season, Harry will be a starting half back even if Jackson stays.

[jobo]

We'll need tacklers v Hull. A part of Smiths game that still needs work is his defence.

I'd go with Powell and Tommy for this game.

[Firestarter]

We'll need tacklers v Hull. A part of Smiths game that still needs work is his defence.

I'd go with Powell and Tommy for this game.

Im all for smith...... lets concentrate on his positives( his attack) not his negatives imo

[jobo]

We'll need tacklers v Hull. A part of Smiths game that still needs work is his defence.

I'd go with Powell and Tommy for this game.

Im all for smith...... lets concentrate on his positives( his attack) not his negatives imo

I agree that Smith looks a talent but the pressing need at the moment, is not to lose. His defensive skills are still a little sketchy, so for me, it's still Powell first, especially for this game. Watching Sts v Hull, Sts met them through the middle, nearly came unstuck then had a good go through the backs in the second half.

It might be that Smith could get a bench spot and come on at some stage but I reckon its important that we at least compete the middle and then have a go.

Just my opinion.

[lucky 13]

Smith dropped off a tackle at Cas which cost us and rushed out the line for another try.
I know it's a step up for him but I don't see his D as an issue going forward he's always been pretty good just an adjustment at this level for him for me.
Rhis game though I would go four forwards on the bench, I know Hull have a few missing but their strength is in the middle and a win means it's a decent start to the season without breaking any pots for us. Smith long term looks like he could be our starting 7 he looks so comfortable on the field, good hands and great kicking game allied to that he seems to just be
such a natural rugby player.
With Lockers out surely Byrne must return? Partington, Smithies can share 13. Not sure if Flowers back but we have Havard who looked as good if not better than Clubb first two games.
Jack Wells pushed in front of Greenwood hes right sided as well which his in his favour with Faz on left.
So we have options and pressure for places.

[Firestarter]

We'll need tacklers v Hull. A part of Smiths game that still needs work is his defence.

I'd go with Powell and Tommy for this game.

Im all for smith...... lets concentrate on his positives( his attack) not his negatives imo

I agree that Smith looks a talent but the pressing need at the moment, is not to lose. His defensive skills are still a little sketchy, so for me, it's still Powell first, especially for this game. Watching Sts v Hull, Sts met them through the middle, nearly came unstuck then had a good go through the backs in the second half.

It might be that Smith could get a bench spot and come on at some stage but I reckon its important that we at least compete the middle and then have a go.

Just my opinion.

i get what your saying pal and have a good point....... i just thought that last season we underperformed in the halves and tommy is defo not the answer...... his kicking game is just not up to scratch imo....... its good having choice though....... ide start smith and have tommy on bench spelling powell( impact hooker when hes fresh)....... also start smithies at loose.... no point having a 70 tackles a match man on the bench

[Wigan_forever1985]

Thing is there's no good saying his defence needs work and not playing him - its like saying dont go near the water until you can swim.

He will only improve in real match situation you can train tackling technique but you cant replicate match requirements in training. I agree he shouldnt be over played - but i feel like now is the time to give him game time as results at this part of the season are fairly meaningless unless we lose 5-6 on the bounce