Everything Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet said on Jai Field, Toulouse Olympique itinerary and Derian House honour
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet met with the media in his weekly press conference ahead of Saturday night’s game against Toulouse Olympique at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
The Warriors boss was asked about last week’s win over Leigh Leopards, Jai Field’s injury blow, their trip to the south of France , and proudly wearing their Derian House charity kit for the first time. Here is a rundown of everything Peet said in his pre-match presser.
A strong 54-0 win over Leigh last week… What are your reflections on the victory?
“It was a positive review. We didn’t dwell on it, we just discussed it, it was a good performance, aspects we got right, how we built the game, the balance in our game, but always with an awareness that it’s Round Three and Leigh were a little bit underdone, they had some players missing, so we just need to keep building, concentrate on ourselves and look to improve.”
Four wins from four in 2026 so far, what are you most pleased about from the first month of action?
"The main thing we take satisfaction from is that we’ve got a bit better each week. That’s a good sign for us. I like the balance we’re playing with, particularly the last two weeks. We’re doing the basics well, but we’re also playing some good, open rugby and moving the ball. I think every team is probably chasing that balance, so when you get it in that sweet spot, it’s then just about trying to keep it. I like the way we’re attacking and defending on the last plays as well.”
The news broke earlier this week that Jai Field will be out for around four to six weeks after having his appendix removed. How is he doing?
"He’s into his recovery stage now. The operation has taken place, he’s in good spirits, and he is a tough lad. All these players are very tough with what they put their bodies through, so I think this should be quite straightforward in terms of he’ll recover, get himself into peak condition, and just being patient with it."
As one door temporarily closes for Jai, another one opens for somebody else to take their chance…
“Of course. It’s sport, isn’t it? It’s why you have your squad – very rarely do you get the luxury of naming the exact same team. I had it last week, and we’ve been able to have the same 17 twice in a row, but more often than not, there are some challenges along the way. We’re not complaining, there are some other teams having a rougher spell than us at the moment, so we’ve just got to keep concentrating on what we can control.”
Youngster Dayon Sambou has come out of the 21-man squad this week. Is that injury-related or selection-based?
“I thought Nathan (Lowe) was very good in the reserves game last week, but it also gives Dayon the opportunity to get some minutes under his belt out on loan (with Salford).”
You mentioned the reserves – they had a good opening win over Leeds Rhinos last week. What did you make of it?
“It was a good game. Leeds are a good team, quite a lot of the staff were here and quite a lot of the players, so I was pleased with the performance, it was a good and intense reserves game and I feel the lads who are in the 21 this week is off the back of impressing in that game, so it’s good, it’s a great feeling as coaching staff when your reserves are playing well, training hard and have got quality – it bodes well.”
Next up is a trip to south of France to face Toulouse on Saturday… What is the itinerary for this week in terms of travel?
"We will take the coach down to Stansted now (Thursday), we’ve just finished our last session, and then we’ll fly to Toulouse on Friday. It is the only way to get a direct flight, so we took that approach – it’s been planned for some time, as soon as we knew the fixtures and that there were no direct flights at this time of year. That’s the approach we’ll take, and we’ll do the reverse on Sunday, get back late on Sunday night. There is a lot to organise and plan, but a lot of the time it's those things that help contribute to a performance and help ensure that the players have no distractions, and Tom (Fitzpatrick, rugby operations manager) is an outstanding operator.”
Considering the travel and logistical challenges, how do you ensure your side will be in the best possible condition this weekend?
“First of all, you’ve got to plan the best journey logistically, which I think we’ve done. We thought it was the best option, and the quality of the hotels. We’ll do recovery tonight (Thursday), the lads will jump on the coach, the chef is on the coach, they will do a guided session today (Thursday), and there will be things available tomorrow (Friday) after the flight. It’s probably the same as most teams, it’s about the staff wrapping around the players, providing as much support as you can and also the expectation that something might not go to plan, and if it does, then we’ve just got to deal with it, so no matter what, there is no excuse.
"It can be a challenge, but we have to remember that Toulouse are doing this every week in reverse, and Catalans not much different, so we just see it as part of the fixture. It’s something we get excited about, spending time together, travelling together and representing the club, but having fun along the way, so although there is work to be done, there is also some fun to be had in and around it, with young men travelling to another country, ready to represent this great club.”
Onto the game itself now, what are you expecting from Toulouse?
"Along with the other promoted teams, I think everyone has been impressed with them, and I think they benefit from being a team that’s played together and with the same coach. They play as a team, they’ve got good cohesion, they understand the style, and they’ve got some outstanding players as well. They will be very proud to welcome us there, I’m sure. I learned a few years ago that we luckily got away with a one-point win, but I’ve been impressed with the way they play, and their coach is someone who we have a lot of respect for."
You will come up against a few familiar faces, with Wigan academy products Jake Shorrocks and Joe Bretherton in Toulouse’s 21-man squad. You coached them during their academy days... Does it make you proud to see them forge the careers they have?
"St Pats lads everywhere! Two good lads, I would have coached them quite a lot – they both played first-team here as well – but they are just great lads on and off the field, both of them are very talented, and I know their families well. It will be nice to see them. Hopefully, we get on the right side of the result, but when you see players going on and making careers in their own right like those two, I’m proud, and the club is certainly very proud.”
Young fullback Noah Hodkinson has been named in the 21-man squad and would make his debut if selected… Can you tell us a little bit about him?
“He played for Hindley, which is my neck of the woods, and I remember seeing him play the Under-13s or Under-12s. A very exciting player at that age, great footwork, very elusive, very instinctive player, and he’s been very good all the way through our pathway, to be honest. He has played in a good team, and since coming into the first-team, he has obviously had some good fullbacks in and around him to learn from, and I’ve been very impressed with him, particularly in this pre-season. I’ve mentioned before that a few lads came up young last year – the likes of Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr and that age group – they came up a little bit young and we knew that they were young, but it was always the plan that they’d move up the pecking order, up the squad and feature more this year, and Noah is certainly in that bracket. I’m expecting him to play this year. It is a very technical position. Jai is always studying the game, and I know him and Noah have a good relationship, so when Noah does get his chance, I’m looking forward to seeing him.”
The Warriors will wear their Derian House charity third kit – Holly’s Kit – for the first time this weekend... A proud moment for the club and charity?
“We’ve done a few things with Derian House in the past, and obviously, it’s increased since the partnership was formed. Probably like me, meeting Mark (Holly’s dad), you don’t turn up to things knowing they are going to affect you as much as they do, but I think when there are children involved and families and young children, it strikes a chord. It’s a fantastic charity, I’m very proud of the club and the way they have engaged with Derian House, and I think the lads will be excited to wear the kit finally, because we’ve been talking about it for a while now, so I just hope we do it justice.”