Everything Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet said on Jai Field, Bevan French and York Knights reflections
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet met with the media in his weekly press conference ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Super League clash with Huddersfield Giants at the Brick Community Stadium.
The Warriors boss was asked about last week’s win over York Knights, the inclusion of off-season recruit Jonny Vaughan in his 21-man squad, updates on Jai Field and Bevan French, and history-making referee Tara Jones. Here is a rundown of everything Peet said in his pre-match presser, with a specific Huddersfield match preview to follow.
Looking back on last week’s 23-22 win over York, what were your main takeaways when you reviewed the game?
“Firstly, you take the positive that we’ve managed to come from behind, a 14-0 deficit, and come from being on the back foot, particularly having Jack (Farrimond) and Noah (Hodkinson) in there who are early in their careers, they’re going to be better for the way they held their nerve and steered the ship back with Harry (Smith) and build enough pressure for us to post points and get the win.
"Also, we’ve got to look at what put us in that position (to be 14-0 down). Combined with some good attack from York, there was some looseness from us which is not what we want to be about, so there is plenty to fix up and improve on, but I do know that we were always going to get ourselves in that positive position at some point and I think we’ll be better for coming out the other side of it and getting the two points.”
It was the closest contest your side has had so far this season… Do you think that sort of game will stand you in good stead for what’s to come?
“I just think it’s important that we learn the lessons from the game in all aspects. The fact that we didn’t get the better of the opening exchanges and then we should take some confidence, individually and collectively, that we can weather those moments and come out of the other side of it, but you don’t want it to become a habit.”
Wigan have scored the most points and conceded the fewest points in the first five rounds of the campaign… Are you happy with where you’re at as a collective?
"I’m more concentrated on the performance coming out of York and into Huddersfield. I think to make too many generalisations, we’re very early in the year, different teams are going through different challenges, and we’ll probably give it plenty more weeks before we start assessing how we’re getting on. I like the attitude of the players, not just on gameday, but on a day-to-day basis. I feel like we’re connected and we’ve got a determination to improve, so I’m happy about that.”
Jonny Vaughan has been included in the 21-man squad this week… What have been your impressions of him since he arrived at the club in the off-season?
“Very positive, hard-working, very determined, multi-skilled, very athletic and he’s earned a step up into the 21. He’s had some good performances, particularly in the reserves a few weeks ago against Bradford. He’s a good lad.”
How are Jai Field and Bevan French getting on in their recoveries?
“Jai will be a few weeks yet. He has just started running with the physios. As far as the operation he had, it was on the more serious end – it’s done now – but it was a decent scar, and we’ve got to be very careful and take the long-term approach with Jai.
"Bevan’s alright – he is a positive character. He has got a brace on at the moment just to look after his injury – he is on crutches – but he has been lifting weights this morning, and he has got a smile on his face. He is very much still part of the group.”
Tara Jones will make Super League history this weekend, becoming the first woman to referee a men’s Super League game. How important is it that women – well, all referees – now have a clear pathway to referee in Super League if their performances merit it?
"I’ll concentrate on all referees, regardless of the fact that we’re talking about a lady. You need a pathway, like players, and Tara has certainly earned her opportunity. I’ve seen it first-hand coaching through the grades and through different levels of rugby league. She has done a great job in the ladies’ game – she refereed a high-profile game with the ladies’ final, and it just seems like a natural progression, which is a credit to her and also a credit to the pathway and development of new referees. As I repeat, like with players, the bigger pool you’ve got, the better.”