SAM Powell is relishing the prospect of getting to grips with one of rugby league’s most intimidating environments when his side head to Craven Park on Friday night with a place in the Betfred Super League Grand Final at stake.

The majority in an expected sell-out crowd of around 13,000 will be roaring Hull KR towards what they hope will be an historic first appearance in the end-of-season showpiece, but Powell has seen enough to know that such expectations can often backfire on the biggest stage.

Powell, a three-time Grand Final winner who ended his 15-year stint with Wigan at the end of last season, said: “It’s one of the best atmospheres in Super League but I’ll be smiling when I run out tomorrow – I’m going to embrace it.

“If we get our game right, after the initial period which is going to be tasty, you can flip that kind of atmosphere. They’re red hot and they’ve got a hostile home crowd but if stuff starts going our way you can start to feel the nervousness creep in.”

The much-decorated 32-year-old insists it has been a seamless transition to his new surroundings this season, helped by Wire head coach Sam Burgess, who masterminded his side’s epic golden-point win over St Helens in the first play-off elimination round on Saturday.

But Powell, who is starting to plan for a coaching career when his playing days come to an end, is adamant his mind has not strayed to the possibility of facing his former club and home town – who take on neighbours Leigh in the semi-final on Saturday – at Old Trafford on October 12.

“People think I’m talking rubbish when I say that, but honestly I’m not really bothered,” added Powell. “I live in Wigan and a lot of my family are Wigan fans, and I still massively respect the club.

“But I’m focused on wanting to do it with Warrington now. I know what it would mean for the fans if the club could finally get over the line and win the Grand Final. I can only imagine the feeling of being part of the first 17 ever to do it with Warrington.”