Daryl Powell uses wives analogy to address Wakefield Trinity expectations

This time last year, Wakefield Trinity were viewed as a vibrant addition to Super League after turning heads on their return to the top flight.

Daryl Powell's side stunned Leeds Rhinos in round one and ran Hull KR close before winning convincingly at Warrington Wolves.

And yet, after edging Hull FC in a tense contest on Thursday night, Trinity have matched last season's tally of wins after four games.

That is despite a scratchy start that has lacked the attacking verve of last year.

"I think we've been a bit scrappy," acknowledged Powell after the 14-10 win over Hull. "There's no way of getting around that.

"I don't think we're as pleasing on the eye, if I'm honest, but we've still won two games from four.

"Seasons are different. Everyone is looking at us going, 'Well, you did that last year and you beat Warrington easily and have to do it again'. They're a different team and everyone evolves in different ways.

"I told the players that if we won today, we're exactly the same as we were last year. People always want more. You learn that. If you think about your wives, they always want more."

With Super League still getting to grips with new law interpretations designed to speed up the ruck, Wakefield are not alone in navigating early-season challenges.

Will Tate's second try got them over the line against Hull but the pivotal moment came in the final seconds of the first half when Oliver Pratt pounced to finish Jake Trueman's bouncing kick.

"It was a nervous game," said Powell. "It felt like a really important game, strangely at this part of the season.

"It could have gone either way. The first half was chaotic. The game is like that at the moment. It's mad. Everyone is getting used to it.

"You've got to hold your nerve. I don't think we did that well in the first half but we got those points at the end which balanced the game out. Then we dominated the second half.

"We never really nailed our attacking game but it was a big improvement defensively. We were tough and durable.

“For a coach, it's not a great game to watch but then when you reflect on it, there are a lot of qualities you want to see in your team.

"It feels like a big win for us, crazy to say."

The result rounded off a frustrating opening month for Hull.

John Cartwright's men enjoyed a winning start against Bradford Bulls but have suffered three defeats since, compounded by the loss of key men to injury.

"It's going to be a different season for us," said Cartwright, whose team lost just one of their opening seven games in 2025.

"We haven't started the way we'd like to; we started better last year as far as results go.

"But I'm not going to panic. I liked what I saw and we've got improvement in us."

Lewis Martin's first-half double left Hull in control at Belle Vue before Pratt's crucial intervention.

Cartwright stressed the importance of fielding a settled team after handing James Bell his debut.

"He did a fantastic job," said the Hull boss.

"It's the little signs like that. Johnny (Asiata) has had another game. There are a few things there to like.

"We've just got to put the same side out two or three weeks in a row. That's when you'll see if the green shoots are green or not.

"When Johnny is on the field, we're a much more organised side. He's so experienced and as good as anyone in the game at playing that middle role.

"That's his second game back. He's only going to improve fitness-wise."