Gareth Widdop on Warrington Wolves under Daryl Powell

The transfer of power at The Halliwell Jones is approaching, with Daryl Powell set to officially assume his position as head coach in the coming weeks.

It comes after four seasons under Steve Price’s charge, the past three of which have resulted in first-round Super League play-off failures.

Powell is the latest man to be brought in with the aim of ending The Wire’s long wait for a league title, and Widdop is certainly keen to see the impact he will have despite being “disappointed” in his predecessor’s departure.

However, it is a change the half-back feels could light a fire under some of his colleagues.

“Steve Price has done a tremendous job here and he’s been great for me,” he told the Guardian.

“To see him leave is disappointing but when people move on, it opens up an opportunity for someone else.

“Daryl’s done a tremendous job over at Castleford, taking them to some big games.

“He’s obviously a very, very good coach and I think a little bit of change might be good for the boys.”

Daryl Powell officially takes over as Warrington Wolves head coach in the coming weeks. Picture by Mike Boden

After a superb individual season that has seen him pick up numerous awards – most recently the Warrington Guardian readers’ player of the year prize – Widdop will aim to be better still during his third year at the club.

Rumours of him angling for a return to the NRL have seemingly died down and after a break, he will look to form the solid pre-season base which he credits as the foundation of his good form in 2021.

He will also get proper time to work on his partnership with George Williams and he is keen to see the direction in which Powell wants to take their link-up.

“It was difficult for George coming in more than halfway through a season and fitting in with the way we play,” he said.

“It was always going to take a while, and then I was injured myself as well.

“I’ve played with George at international level in the past and he’s a quality player.

“I’m certainly looking forward to having a full pre-season working together with him and seeing how Daryl wants to play. It’s certainly promising.”

George Williams and Gareth Widdop formed a partnership in the closing weeks of the season. Picture by SWPix.com