Daryl Powell expecting 'a bit of stick' as he prepares for Castleford Tigers reunion

Warrington Wolves coach Daryl Powell admits Castleford will always have a place in his heart – but is prepared for “a bit of stick” from Tigers fans on Thursday night.

Powell presided over a genuine renaissance at the Jungle after quitting Featherstone Rovers to take over at Castleford in May 2013.

He led the Tigers to three major finals – the 2014 and 2021 Challenge Cup finals and the 2017 Super League Grand Final – but lost them all.

Yet his place in Castleford folklore is assured and, asked about his depth of feeling for his hometown club, Powell said: “Yes, one hundred per cent.

“You don’t spend eight years somewhere and not an affinity for the place.

"Wherever I’ve played and coached, I always try and really embed myself in the place and make myself part of the furniture. I felt I really did that at Castleford.”

Powell left the Tigers to take over at Warrington at the end of last season and admits he is unsure what kind of reception the travelling Castleford supporters will give him at Thursday’s game.

He said: “I might get a bit of stick, I think, but it is what it is.

“I love both sides of it from rugby league fans.

“I was getting a bit of stick at the Leeds game at the weekend about the referee and how I had him in my pocket.

“That sort of banter is always good and I will take it in whatever spirit it comes.”

After falling short on three occasions at Castleford, Powell is aiming to go one better at Warrington and guide them to victory in a major final.

After winning at Leeds on Saturday, the Wolves are in buoyant mood as they prepare to face Leeds Radford’s Tigers.

Powell added: “I get asked that question all the time and obviously the key motivation at the club is to win things and you never want to hide away