Wigan Warriors boss talks semi-final battle against local rivals Leigh Leopards: 'We’re in a good place’

The Cherry and Whites have come out on top in all three of the Battle of the Borough encounters so far this year, with an accumulated scoreline of 92-24.

Wigan have won their last 15 home meetings against Leigh, with Adrian Lam’s Leopards having defeated Salford 14-6 in the eliminator play-offs to reach the next stage of the competition.

Peet’s side meanwhile undertook a training camp in Bath last week, having earned a spot straight into the semi-finals after finishing the regular campaign at the top of the Super League table - claiming back-to-back League Leaders’ Shields for the first time.

“I think we’re in a good place,” Peet said.

“We had a good week’s training last week, got some hard work done and managed to rest up over the weekend.

“It’s a privilege to be in the semi-final, and it’s one we’re looking forward to against a great team in Leigh.

“We’re in a good spot.”

Leigh are 80 minutes away from their first-ever Grand Final, having never been this far in the Super League competition before.

The Leigh Sports Village outfit had never finished higher than 11th in the top flight ahead of their promotion at the end of 2022, and Lam has since guided the side to the 2023 Challenge Cup, and their first-ever play-off finish last year.

Their gripping win over Paul Rowley’s Red Devils secured their place in Saturday’s semi-final, with around 15,000 estimated to be at the Brick Community Stadium.

“I’m expecting an intense game, that would be the word that springs to mind,” Peet continued.

“They’re a well-balanced team, and ever since Lammy (Adrian Lam) took over there, they play with the right level of physicality and they’ve got some class ball players and great athletes.

“Semi-finals are always huge challenges. Both teams will have that desperation to try to get what they feel they deserve, and it brings pressure, an intensity, and I think the quality of Leigh only heightens that level of competition.”

Reigning Super League champions Wigan are no strangers to the pressure on the big stage under head coach Peet, having won six titles across the last three years - including five on the bounce.

They currently hold every honour available in the game, and will be looking to make it a clean sweep in 2024 following wins in the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup and lifting the League Leaders’ Shield.

“We do try to enjoy it (pressure) and embrace it,” Peet said.

“You’re constantly searching for that sweet spot, a bit of confidence, a bit of nerves, a bit of fear, maybe.

"What you’re looking for during the game is that we all, players and staff, perform the best we can, execute close to our best rugby and if we do that, regardless of the result, we can be proud.”