Castleford Tigers: Powell puts England role firmly on back burner to focus on Tigers

Castleford boss Daryl Powell has re-iterated his desire to coach England but says now is not the right time.
Castleford Tigers coach Daryl Powell - a future England coach? PIC: Richard Sellers/PA WireCastleford Tigers coach Daryl Powell - a future England coach? PIC: Richard Sellers/PA Wire
Castleford Tigers coach Daryl Powell - a future England coach? PIC: Richard Sellers/PA Wire

The 52-year-old former England and Great Britain international is thought to have been lined up to work alongside veteran Australian Wayne Bennett for the next two years before taking over from him in time for the 2021 World Cup.

Bennett, whose contract with the Rugby Football League ran out at the end of the 2017 World Cup, has agreed a new two-year deal but has yet to announce his backroom staff.

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Speaking at his weekly press conference at Castleford, Powell confirmed he spoke to the Rugby Football League’s rugby director Kevin Sinfield, whose recommendations on the coaching set-up were accepted by the governing body, but turned down a job offer.

Current England coach, Wayne Bennett. PIC: Danny Lawson/PA WireCurrent England coach, Wayne Bennett. PIC: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Current England coach, Wayne Bennett. PIC: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

“I had a conversation with Kevin but at this point it’s not the right situation for me,” Powell said.

“I’m pretty happy doing what I’m doing here and I need to focus on what we need to get right here.”

Powell added, however: “Ultimately, at some point in the future, I’d obviously like to coach England.

“It just wasn’t right for me at the time.

Former England coach, Steve McNamara. PIC: Bruce RollinsonFormer England coach, Steve McNamara. PIC: Bruce Rollinson
Former England coach, Steve McNamara. PIC: Bruce Rollinson
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“It’s about what we do now from here this season. I always wish England all the best obviously.

“It’s been a big part of my rugby league life and hopefully it will be in the future but it’s not the right time for me.”

Powell, who is the reigning Super League coach of the year after guiding the Tigers to the League Leaders’ Shield and a maiden Grand Final in 2017, was on the England coaching staff under Steve McNamara up to 2013 when he resigned to concentrate on his job at Castleford.