Why Saturday will be special for Sam Powell in more ways than one

It seems poetic that Sam Powell is set to make his 300th career appearance against the club whose colors he has worn for the vast majority of them.

In what will be his first reunion with hometown club Wigan Warriors since joining Warrington Wolves, however, the hooker insists it will be all business when the hooter goes off.

The 31-year-old has made 299 appearances since making his senior debut in 2012, 273 of which have come in the cherry and white of Wigan.

However, 11 years in the first-team picture ended in the off-season and he was snapped up by The Wire, for whom he has played in all 15 games so far this year.

With three England Knights caps and eight appearances with two records at Workington Town and South Wales Scorpions combined making up his tally, it’s a milestone Powell is proud to have achieved – even if he admits he wasn’t aware of it!

“It’s pretty cool — I didn’t know that,” he said of reaching 300 games.

“I’m looking forward to doing it after a really good performance at the weekend. We’ve been training really well so we can’t wait.

“It’s going to be weird. Obviously I’ve played there for a long time and have good relationships with a lot of people there, so it’s something I’m looking forward to if for no other reason than the challenge.

“We haven’t played them yet this year so it will be great to see where we are and how we travel as a club. They are the benchmark with this.

“It will be strange for me, but once the ball is kicked it’s a different game of rugby.”

Powell helped hometown club Wigan Warriors win three Super League titles (Image: SWPix.com)

On either side of the divide between these two neighbours, the build-up to what is one of the Northern Hemisphere’s marquee games has been a little more subdued than usual – and for good reason.

Both sides find themselves in the odd scenario of meeting each other a week before they lock horns at Wembley Stadium in the Challenge Cup final, so will it be difficult for the players to keep next week’s game on their minds?

“Yes and no,” Powell replied.

“We all know how close the league is, so two points are very important this week.

“In saying that, I’m a realist – Wembley will always be in the back of your mind. It makes it a bit weirder that it’s Wigan, then Wigan again.”

Powell is one of only two ever-presents in the Warrington side this season, with full-back Matt Dufty being the other.

Depending on how head coach Sam Burgess reshuffles his squad this weekend — if at all — it may end up being the only unblemished appearance record left, but he insists there’s a bigger focus.

“It’s not so much about keeping track, it’s more about being consistent,” he said.

“I’m almost 32 and I don’t play big minutes every week, so I’m pretty fresh for this time of year.

“Being always present is pretty cool, but I’m more focused on being consistent.”

All but one of his appearances have come off the bench this season, with Danny Walker starting every game he has been available for at hooker.

Indeed, Powell often jumped free during his time at the Halliwell Jones Stadium – something he says he relishes.

“I don’t mind,” he said.

“I’m not really a good substitute to be honest, so I’m happy to be on the pitch, whether it’s at nine, free forward or I’ve played fly-half earlier in the year. I just want to get on the field.

“It’s not too different defensively — I just have to remember not to jump behind the ballgame!”