Daryl Powell sends Wakefield Trinity 'fuel your fire' message after play-off disappointment
Daryl Powell has told Wakefield Trinity to use Friday's play-off defeat at Leigh Leopards as fuel to hit new heights in 2026.
Trinity defied the odds to reach the post-season for the first time in 13 years but the eliminator proved a game too far for Powell's men.
Wakefield demonstrated their spirit to limit the damage after trailing 18-0 at the break, scoring second-half tries through Jayden Myers and Cameron Scott.
Powell had mixed emotions as he faced up to Trinity's season being over.
"It was a disappointing night," he said.
"But the season has set us a real platform. When the dust settles on tonight, we'll be pretty proud of what we've done.
"We're still disappointed because that wasn't good enough but those sorts of nights have got to fuel your fire moving forward.
"We're on a journey to play like Leigh did tonight. We just weren't capable of doing that, for whatever reason."
Trinity were ranked as 66/1 outsiders after sneaking into the play-offs in sixth spot and could not find the extra push required to trouble the ever-improving Leopards.
Leigh dominated from the first whistle as they underlined their title credentials with a 26-10 victory.
"That was a tough game," added Powell.
"We didn't collect a charge down and it was manic after that for a period. We lost Matty Storton to a knee injury, which meant he couldn't come back on and we burnt a sub straight away. Hoody (Liam Hood) gets a knock to his head and is stumbling about.
"Leigh played at a level which was a couple of notches above what we've seen before. They were superb throughout and we couldn't handle the intensity of the game.
"There are so many big lessons for us. I think Leigh will be a chance if they're playing to that level."