Ex-Halifax Panthers leader Liam Finn 'finding own way' on coaching journey as former boss completes historic treble at Wakefield Trinity
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Finn has taken up the position of assistant coach to Luke Robinson ahead of the Giants’ 2025 Super League campaign.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHalifax-born Finn, who came to The Shay after guiding Dewsbury Rams to the 2023 League 1 title, led the Panthers to a ninth-placed finish in this season’s Championship - a division dominated by Wakefield Trinity.
Trin claimed a historic treble by beating Toulouse in last Saturday’s Grand Final at the DIY Kitchens Stadium.
And Finn was full of praise for Wakefield head coach Powell, who Finn played for at Featherstone Rovers and Castleford Tigers.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: “It is a fair old achievement. Let’s not beat around the bush, they were strong, heavy favourites and the squad was there to do it but, at the same time, you have still got to go out there and do it.
“He was really good for me. I was fortunate to have him and Ryan Sheridan at the same time. Two former Great Britain half-backs. They went about it in different ways. Shez was more about the rugby side of it as assistant coach and Daryl was more about standards.
“His drive and his professionalism were probably the main things. He was competitive. He was also a really good player and his mentality set him apart.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAsked if there were certain parts of Powell’s qualities he has adopted into his own coaching roles, Finn said:
“You are influenced by everybody you have worked alongside and under in your playing and coaching career. There is a little bit of everything in there.
“Ultimately you have got to try and do it within what your personality is and how you go about stuff. You have to find your own way.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut did Powell guide the best ever Championship team to glory?
“I don’t think it’s better than that Leigh team from the other year,” Finn said. “That would have been an interesting game with the squad’s that they both had in their retrospective years.
“That Leigh team was just a juggernaut that beat everyone up straight down the middle whereas Wakey, and Daryl’s teams, play a bit more rugby.”
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.