Q&A: Everything Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet said at Super League Grand Final media press conference
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Q: What does it say about the way these two clubs have captured the imagination with the biggest Grand Final crowd expected since 2017?
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Hide AdMP: The news from Hull KR (10,000 tickets sold), it’s credit to several years of hard work. I’ve been asked a lot about the fact that a new team could win it, but I think Hull KR are a club on the up. On the field, Willie has got them playing fantastically well and that’s built year-on-year.
I think they’re a club who are here to compete for a long time. A lot of our hardest games in recent years have been against them. It’s got the makings of a fantastic occasion on and off the field.
Q: Is there an update on Liam Farrell’s fitness and are you confident that Sam Walters would be ready if called upon?
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Hide AdMP: There’s not particularly an update, just more to see how he recovers from the virus. If he’s good to go, he’ll play. We’ll give him as long as he needs.
I’m confident that if Sam needs to play, he’s coming off the back of a good performance which is good. But Liam Farrell and the experience he has in these games and what he brings to the club, he’s a good player.
Q: Has the potential history in a quadruple been discussed by the group?
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Hide AdMP: We’ve discussed it, so this week now is about the process really. Trying to get training right. The players are aware of it, it won’t really need building up.
Q: Has the fact there’s going to be star battles all over the field helped towards attracting a big crowd and attention?
MP: Absolutely. Nobody is watching kick-pressure on Instagram. It’s all about moments, that’s what gets eyes on the game, and the star talent across both teams. Tyrone May, Mikey Lewis, Peta Hiku, Bevan French, Jai Field, Jake Wardle…they’re the moments. Rugby league fans will enjoy the other bits, but I think as far as maximising promotion of the game and making sure it’s a bigger crowd next year, it’s probably going to be someone like Mikey or Bevan that lights it up.
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Hide AdQ: How much has it helped that you only played each other a month ago and will you look at that?
MP: I think it’s usually the case in big games that it’s teams you’ve had other big games against and had in the past. You kind of know what to expect from one another, but it’s all about who can handle that the best and can get the closest to their best game.
Q: Good to see more of the club’s products kick on this year, including a Dream Team selection for Junior Nsemba?
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Hide AdMP: It’s one of the pillars of the club, to promote our own talent. Our captain in Liam Farrell is homegrown, Harry Smith, I could go on. Junior is the latest one, and I think he’s been better than I expected, if I’m honest.
Then there are others that have played their part; Harvie Hill played in the World Club Challenge, Jack Farrimond at Magic Weekend, Zach Eckersley has had his big moments. They are what help you finish top, winning those games with them lads in and hoping players like Junior and Tom Forber can do it this weekend. It’s probably one of our main focuses of the club, player development.
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