Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers: Daryl Powell eyes top-two finish as high-fliers dare to dream

Now, eight games from the end of the regular campaign, they are daring to dream of something much bigger.

Daryl Powell's side sit two points adrift of leaders Leeds Rhinos after watching their rivals suffer a shock defeat to Castleford Tigers last weekend.

For a club that have never lifted a major trophy in the Super League era, an opportunity like this does not come along very often.

While the appeal of a maiden League Leaders' Shield is obvious, Powell is keeping his focus on the more immediate target of a top-two finish and a home semi-final.

"Everything in life, you aim for the top," said the Wakefield boss ahead of Friday's home clash with Castleford. "But I don't think we're going to talk about it too much.

"Top two is probably the goal you're aiming for if you're in and around it. We're going to have to be outstanding to get that but I don't think it's stretching things too far to say we're capable of achieving that.

"We're going to need to be super consistent over this last period. Everybody is saying we've got one of the toughest run-ins but it's probably one of the best run-ins, really. If we get to where we want to be in the top six, we're going to be fully tuned in because we'll have played against all the best teams.

"I see it as perfect preparation leading into the play-offs."

Trinity's run-in features games against Leeds, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards.

But if last week's match at Wheldon Road proved anything, it is that every fixture is dangerous at this stage of the campaign.

It was a warning not only to the Rhinos but also the chasing pack.

Asked whether he was in the group ready to concede the League Leaders' Shield to Leeds, Powell replied: "Maybe before last week. They seemed to be flying with no injuries and everything going their way.

"Their loss last week narrows it up a little bit. We've just got to keep plugging away, winning games and picking up points.

"We can't look too far ahead. That's important. We've got a game this week against a team that was outstanding last week.

"We're in a great position. It's set up for us to go on with it.

"There are eight games left – five at home, three away. The home games are really important to us, making sure we get the results and play the way we want to play at home."

In-form Wakefield return to Belle Vue after precious wins on the road at Everton, Hull KR and Bradford Bulls.

The emphatic Magic Weekend victory over Castleford completed a league double over their neighbours but Powell has warned that a third win will not come easily.

"We played them three games ago and since then they've been really competitive against Leigh and won a game against Leeds who were flying," added Powell, who can call on Corey Hall, Ky Rodwell and Max Jowitt on Friday night.

"It's been an easy job this week – show all the tries since we played them last time. They're scoring a lot of tries and throwing a lot at you.

"We just need to focus on doing our jobs well. We've played two games that we've won comfortably but it's absolutely crucial that we focus on what we need to do in this game and not feel like the job has been done before it gets done."

Castleford conceded 82 points in the previous two meetings, scoring just one try in reply.

While he gave Trinity their dues, Ryan Carr expects better from his team this week.

"They've played really well both times we've played them," acknowledged the Tigers boss. "Fair play to them – they're a good footy team with great players who are well drilled.

"They're one of the form teams. You can see that by the way they're climbing up the ladder.

"Our focus is on trying to be the best version of us, which hasn't happened in the previous two fixtures."

Carr has seen Castleford fail to build on statement wins over St Helens and Wigan in his first season at the helm.

However, he is hoping the penny has finally dropped following the dramatic derby success against Leeds.

"It gives the boys some belief," said Carr.

"We've probably been a bit down on that at certain times throughout the year but I was really proud that we found a way to win that game after throwing so much into it. We had players playing out of position but they just got on with it and did what they could for the team.

"It was a really good win for the boys to gain some belief and know they can do it."