Matt Peet's verdict on Wigan Warriors win over Huddersfield Giants - 'Far from fluent, but pretty tenacious'

Matt Peet admitted Wigan Warriors were far from their best despite securing a hard-fought 24-10 victory over Huddersfield Giants on Friday night - but was pleased with the ‘tenacity’ of his side.

The Warriors moved back up to second in the Super League table thanks to Zach Eckersley’s late hat-trick at the Accu Stadium, but Peet was left frustrated by his side’s lack of fluency with the ball.

Instead, the Wigan boss took most satisfaction from his team’s resilience and determination to grind out another two competition points.

“Just pleased to get away with the two points,” Peet said. “Huddersfield were very competitive - it was a different type of game, and we’re just glad to get out of it (with the two points).

“We weren’t fluent with the ball, far from it, but it was pretty tenacious.

“The tenacity pleased me, and the lack of fluency with the ball needs work. We were disjointed. I don’t think we managed moments of the game particularly well.”

Despite not being at their sparkling best, Wigan found a way to get the job done once again, something Peet believes is essential for a champion team.

“I think it’s a necessity if you’re going to try to compete for trophies because different weeks throw up different challenges and different types of games,” he said.

“Today was certainly that, so sometimes it is less about the manner and more about just getting it done.

“You’ll see that all across the season... There’ll be times when you aren’t as fluent, and things don’t go your way - it’s a different sort of game, but the two points stack up at the end of the year.

“Although the game was what it was, there are some positives on the way home - we get two points and we’re healthy, but it’s a reminder that we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Wigan’s victory was their 11th win in their last 12 matches and keeps them firmly in the race at the top end of the table.

There could also be a timely boost ahead of next Friday’s derby clash against St Helens at the Brick Community Stadium, with Peet hopeful of welcoming back some injured players.

“Yeah, I think so,” he said when asked about potential returns. “A bit early in the week to commit to who, but there are a few there or thereabouts.”