Daryl Powell insists Super League must scrap the Captain’s Challenge for the greater good of the game.
Wakefield came out on the right side of a tight contest against Hull KR at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, with Mason Lino crossing for a try and kicking the match-winning goal in the closing minutes.
However, the match was again disrupted by several lengthy Captain’s Challenge reviews.
And Powell believes it is time for the rule to be scrapped.
“You’ve got to get rid of the Captain’s Challenge. If you have an inconclusive challenge, it just doesn’t work – I don’t see it. Or you’ve got to change it somehow – get rid of it or change it,” he said.
“It adds another stoppage. Our game is not that. I asked what time it was – 6:45 – and we kicked off at 4:30. It’s mental.”
The Captain’s Challenge was introduced ahead of the 2025 season, following the NRL system.
But Powell argues it is harming the sport in the northern hemisphere.
“I’d get rid of it now, if I’m honest. I think it’s that important for the game – every coach is talking about this,” he continued.
“If you add up the time taken from captain’s challenges today, what would it be? Maybe 15 minutes?
“Something needs to change; it’s crazy. The beauty of this game is the flow, the energy and the intensity, and Hull KR went for a Captain’s Challenge on an obvious high tackle just to give themselves a breather.
“You’ve got to change it, and change it quickly, for the beauty of the sport. It’s a beautiful game, and what we’re doing at the moment is taking away from it.”