Matt Peet warns Wigan Warriors to expect 'absolute best' of Toulouse Olympique

Matt Peet has warned Wigan Warriors they will need to be ready for the ‘absolute best’ of Toulouse Olympique when the two sides meet at the Brick Community Stadium on Saturday.

Wigan head into the Super League clash third in the table, narrowly behind Wakefield Trinity on points difference, with victory enough to move the Warriors into second place.

The top two sides at the end of the regular season will be rewarded with home semi-finals in the play-offs, adding further importance to Saturday’s contest and the remainder of the regular campaign.

Toulouse have made an encouraging return to Super League this season and currently sit ninth, having won seven of their 21 matches.

Wigan ran out 36-16 winners when the two sides met in the south of France back in March, and Peet is expecting a stern test this weekend.

“I think we have to be anticipating the absolute best of Toulouse,” Peet said.

“There’s been games where they’ve been red-hot, but there’s also been moments and periods in games where they’ve been red-hot, including against ourselves, so if we allow them to find their rhythm for periods in this game, they’ll post points.

“There’s no doubt about that because they play with confidence, freedom, and they’re well-coached, so we have to make sure we get our game in order, or else Toulouse will, as we’ve seen, come ready to win.”

The Warriors boss also believes Toulouse, Bradford Bulls and York Knights have all exceeded expectations since returning to the top flight.

The three promoted clubs have shown they can compete with established Super League sides, with Toulouse currently sitting ninth in the table.

“I would agree with that,” Peet said. “I don’t think there were ever any questions about whether those teams would be able to compete at certain times of the year.

“I think we all knew the test for them was the recruitment and having that squad depth, but like I said, they’ve come in and played with a great style of play, great honour and courage, but also they’ve competed every week for large parts, and they’ve probably had more depth (as the season has gone on).

“Toulouse are a great example of that, when they bring their French juniors in, and the pride and commitment they play with.

“I think what’s important isn’t so much on the on-field performance of these clubs... I think you’re seeing it now that these clubs are allowed to build, get the finances on track and make sure everything else is in place, because there’s no doubt the coaches and the players are warming to Super League.”

The Round 22 Super League fixture takes place at the Brick Community Stadium on Saturday evening, 5:30pm kick-off. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports + Red Button and SuperLeague+.