Wakefield Trinity v Warrington Wolves: Daryl Powell backs side to step up as play-offs come early

Trinity still have two regular-season fixtures to negotiate but they are already in post-season mode with dates against title rivals Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards to come.

Wakefield are playing for a top-four place and a home tie, providing ideal preparation for knockout rugby.

"I feel like the end to the season is perfect for us," said Powell on Friday.

"We're not jumping up and down in terms of quality of opposition. We're just playing good teams and that can only help us.

"They're both play-off rivals and contenders. We've got that play-off mentality now.

"We've just got to play at that high level. I feel like we've played at that level quite a lot this year but this is different – it goes to another level.

"I think we're ready for the step up. We'll find that out tomorrow."

Wakefield have enjoyed a rapid rise under Powell, winning the Championship treble before earning a Super League play-off place at the first attempt.

A first post-season game at Belle Vue since 2009 would represent another step in the right direction.

Powell views the clash with in-form Warrington as an opportunity to prove their Old Trafford credentials.

"I've spoken about us being on a consistent journey," he said. "We finished sixth last year and have the potential to finish fourth this year, which would be a decent progression.

"We're obviously in the play-offs now and that gives us the opportunity to do better than we did last year. This is a big game in that journey.

"We're in a good place mentally and physically. We're playing one of the best teams in the competition. It's a great challenge and a chance to put a marker down and show how good we can be."

While there may yet be another chapter to write at Belle Vue this year, Wakefield will show their appreciation to their departing players on Saturday.

Powell, who confirmed that the Max Jowitt, Jay Pitts, Mason Lino and Lachlan Walmsley exits were club decisions, is hoping for a fitting end to their home regular campaign.

"The atmosphere at this place is phenomenal," he said. "The fans have been outstanding all year and given us a great platform for the performances we've delivered.

"We've got the best out of each other and we need that for the remainder of the season.

"The boys have been class all year. We've played to a really high level of consistency and there's a real connection between the fans and the players.

"More so in this period of the season than any other time, we need them to be getting their vocal levels up, getting right between us and enjoying that connection between players and fans."