Everything Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet said on Wakefield Trinity win, St Helens semi-final draw and Castleford Tigers preview
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet met with the media in his weekly press conference ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Super League clash with Castleford Tigers at the Brick Community Stadium.
The Warriors boss was asked about last week’s Challenge Cup quarter-final win over Wakefield Trinity, the semi-final draw against St Helens, a trio of in-form forwards and Sunday’s clash with Castleford. Here is a rundown of everything Peet said in his pre-match presser.
You’ve watched the Wakefield game back and reviewed it… How do you reflect on it?
"There were things to be proud of in the game, a lot around our attitude, mentality and commitment to one another. There is certainly room to improve in our defence if you look at some of the tries – we can’t be happy about them, and the players have spoken about that, but ultimately, I liked the character and mentality the team showed to get the result. I’m very proud of it.”
Wigan returned to winning ways at the weekend after back-to-back defeats in Super League… How important do you think that Wakefield win was in terms of morale and momentum?
“Yeah, especially being a Cup game, it would have brought an end to our chance to do anything in the Cup, so that was really important. I like the kind of win that it was. It was a game that ebbed and flowed – we probably haven’t had one like that, to be honest. We were beaten for 80 minutes against Huddersfield, and St Helens was the back end of the game, so this was one that could’ve gone either way right up to the end, so this one will stand us in good stead.”
Patrick Mago was named Player of the Match at Wakefield after making a massive impact from the bench… Do you like what you are seeing from him this year?
"He’s been excellent this season so far. He has been pretty consistent with the impact he has brought off the bench, even in the games where he has not had as many standout moments as that, he has been very solid for us, so he is doing everything we’re asking of him.”
Ollie Partington seems to have hit the ground running since his return to the club… What have you made of his energy from the bench?
"He certainly lifted us at the weekend when he came on, he and Kaide (Ellis) have got a good combination, whether they’re on at the same time or interchanging with one another. I like everything that Oliver’s about, in terms of his character and leadership. He has settled right in now, and I think he is going to go from strength to strength.”
Luke Thompson became a dad in the middle of last week and went on to play around 60 minutes against Wakefield – he didn’t look like a man who hasn’t had much sleep!
“I think the hotel stay at the weekend was good timing for Luke! He is a consummate professional, and I thought he had a really strong game at the weekend. We needed that from him in Ethan’s (Havard) absence, and he certainly stood up.”
Wigan will face St Helens in the Challenge Cup semi-finals in Warrington… Can we get your reaction to the draw?
"The semi-finals are exciting, and games against St Helens are always exciting as well. To meet them in such an occasion, it’s going to be fantastic for both clubs, both sets of supporters, and I know the players will deliver, so it’s good to have that to look forward to in the background for everyone.”
Onto this weekend now, Castleford at home. What are you expecting from the Tigers on Sunday?
"They obviously had a high turnover of players, and we went there in Round One, and they gave us a really tough game. I think since then, they’ve sort of ebbed and flowed a little bit, but one thing I’m very conscious of is they’ve had a week off out of the Wakefield game they had, and they’ll be wanting to get back on track after that. The coach spoke about getting a response from his team, so we’ve got to be prepared to be highly motivated and very well prepared."
It’s still early days in the Ryan Carr era at Castleford. Although they’ve had some tough results, have you seen any green shoots in their performances?
"Yeah, absolutely. We know he’s a good coach, with what he’s done in the past and the places he’s worked. I think the performance he got out of Warrington into Bradford, I was watching that game, and I was really pleased for him because you know when a coach has had a tough week, worked hard with his team, and he got a response that night, so that’s the sort of performance I’m expecting from them – very committed. The attacking shape they’ve got when they’ve executed is very tough to defend, so we’re going to have to be very well prepared and make some good decisions, particularly on the edges of the field.”