Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet delivers verdict on Leigh Leopards win with praise for key men
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet said he was ‘very happy’ after his side produced a ruthless performance to ease past Leigh Leopards 54-0 on Thursday night.
The Warriors were 24-0 up at the break thanks to first-half tries through Adam Keighran, Bevan French, Jai Field and Harry Smith. Peet’s side posted five more unanswered tries in the second half, thanks to Field, Zach Eckersley, Junior Nsemba, Smith and Tom Forber to seal a convincing 54-0 win at the Brick Community Stadium.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Peet was proud of his side’s display on both sides of the ball.
"I’m very happy,” said Peet. “I always talk about when you’re driving down to the game, you know the kind of performance you’re looking for, a win first and foremost, coming through healthy, so to get a convincing win, I’m pleased.
"Don’t miss the fact that Leigh were missing a lot of their talent, some coming into the game and some during the game, so we’ll keep it in context.
"It (the nil scoreline) was spoken about. It’s just about trying to stay in good habits, and it’s something we talk about a lot.”
Playmaker general Smith delivered another classy display, with his last tackle plays pinning the Leopards back and guiding the Warriors around the park with his trusty left boot.
"I thought he was outstanding tonight,” Peet said. “It’s his craft. He practices very hard.
"I think the way we’re setting up for last tackle plays has improved. Paul Deacon and Tommy Leuluai do a lot of work there. Last tackle plays in attack and defence are a big area, but his decision making and the execution of his skill were outstanding.”
Meanwhile, Ollie Partington has made a seamless transition to life back in cherry and white, bringing energy when coming off the bench, working in tandem with starting loose forward Kaide Ellis in the 13 position.
"That role is often about balance, between doing the tough stuff and linking the play, and between them, they’re covering it pretty well,” Peet continued. “They both have the ability to play front-row and carry the ball as well.”
It was a good night for Keighran, who racked up a personal tally of 22 points, having scored a try and kicked nine goals from as many attempts.
Peet is proud of the way Keighran responded to having received two yellow cards and disciplinary charges from the first two rounds, with the Australian centre working hard to strike the right balance when it comes to his on-field discipline.
"He was excellent last week (against Hull FC), and that was one of the reasons why I was disappointed for him making that mistake because he was one of the best players on the field, and he was the same again tonight,” Peet said.
"We’re working hard. Every player has things in the game they need to iron out, and that’s one for Adam, but he brings a lot to the team on and off the field.”
Wigan now have a long turnaround, with Peet’s side next in action against Toulouse Olympique in the south of France on Saturday, March 7.