Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet delivers verdict on Wakefield Trinity win with influential star man hailed
Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet said he was proud of the ‘courage’ of his side in their impressive Challenge Cup quarter-final win over Wakefield Trinity.
The Warriors returned to winning ways on Sunday after back-to-back defeats, having come from 12-0 down against Wakefield to run out 26-22 victors at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, teeing up a semi-final derby against St Helens.
"I’m proud of the team,” said Peet. “We know we are expected to be in semi-finals. It was a decent game, and I’m proud of the team.
"I liked aspects of the performance. As we mentioned, there were things last week (against Saints) that we did well – there was just the way the game closed out, we didn’t finish in the manner we wanted, but it wasn’t like we had to rip it up and start again. I liked aspects of it, and every game is a bit different.
"I was pleased with the courage, really, to go behind and hold our nerve, and then it was just a game that ebbed and flowed. Any team would’ve been worthy winners on the day, but I just like the togetherness of the group and the will to win.”
It was a classic Challenge Cup tie. The game went end-to-end, there was added spice, and the momentum continued to swing.
“I know what you mean,” Peet added. “The atmosphere, sometimes you look down and think ‘what’s going on here?’ and you can either ask questions about that, want everything to be perfect and sanitised, or just enjoy it for a good game of rugby league.
"I don’t know exactly what it was, maybe it was the kick-off time, but I’m sure it was a good game for the neutrals, and it certainly felt in the balance right until the end. It never felt one way or the other.”
Peet also paid tribute to super sub Patrick Mago, who produced a Player of the Match performance.
"Patrick’s done it plenty of times for us,” Peet said. “He’s got that capability, he is a different type of front-rower for us. I’ve spoken many times about the ability he’s got as a rugby league player, his vision and his softness of hands, and when you combine that with a big, powerful body, he is an asset to us.”