The 28-year-old winger, snapped up from Hull KR at the end of the season, impressed his new boss during two World Cup outings with Scotland.
Steve McCormack's side missed out on the semi-finals but former Scottish RU international Steel was a try-scorer in defeat against France and a historic 18-16 success over Fiji.
Said Powell (pictured): "Big competitions like the World Cup, or any international game, are obviously a step up from Super League and National League and being able to enhance your reputation is massive for a player. I think Jon's been able to do that.
"He's hungry for work, he's powerful, aggressive. I want to see a winger challenge the defensive line and I thought he did that really well.
"But his main asset is that he scores tries - he's one a game in the World Cup, which is no mean feat, and the last time he played at our level he scored a try a game.
"He'll be an outstanding acquisition for this club. I've been really impressed with the new guys and the way they've approached things - we've got players to sit up and make people take notice of them and Jon Steel is just one of those."
Powell says Steel and ex-Castleford and Wakefield flyer Waine Pryce will provide the cutting edge he's looking for in 2009.
"I'm looking for real pace on our wings next season and with people like Pryce and Steel we've got that. It's a knack of getting on the outside of defences and both those guys are outstanding in that area."
After a week's break, Featherstone's first-team are back at Post Office Road for a second block of intensive training. They have been joined by ex-international Iestyn Harris and Ian Hardman. Steel will join the party next month.
Meanwhile, there are massive savings to be made on the club's sports and leisurewear. All remaining Prostar clothing is currently half-price and 2008 jerseys have been reduced to just £10. Sizes still available are medium, small and extra small for the home shirt and large for the away jersey.
There are also a handful of scarves available, priced just £4.
It's all available from the club shop, from Shindigz on Station Lane or via the online shop on www.fevshop.com
Latest £500 winners in the Rovers treasure chest lottery are T. Kirk (V0686), A. Vickers (V5085), L. Pearson (C5787), D. Tennant (V4047), J. Scott (J2592). Junction meal voucher: P Birkitt (V2122).