Wigan Warriors boss hails Austin Daniel after 'outstanding' performance - 'I can't praise him enough'

Matt Peet hailed Wigan Warriors youngster Austin Daniel after the youngster impressed in just his fourth first-team appearance in Saturday’s 40-8 win over Leeds Rhinos.

Daniel was called into the side after a midweek injury to key centre Jake Wardle and made an immediate impact at AMT Headingley.

The 20-year-old provided the assist for Adam Keighran’s opening try before scoring himself in a remarkable display as Wigan moved to the top of Super League.

The result leaves the Warriors in a strong position to finish the regular season as League Leaders’ Shield winners, with Catalans Dragons visiting the Brick Community Stadium in the final round this Friday night.

Peet was delighted with Daniel’s performance and particularly praised the way he handled the pressure of playing in such a significant fixture.

“I thought he was outstanding,” said Peet. “I’m so proud of him. I can’t praise him enough, really.

“To come into that atmosphere, he would have been aware of the build-up of the game, and I thought the way he fielded kicks especially... He gave me an insight at Hull KR earlier in the year that he was capable of that and he had the temperament for that, and then to do the things at the other end of the field was almost his reward for coming up with those brave plays.

“Right up to the end of the game, he was getting himself under those kicks... There were some big plays from him, so I’m very proud of him.”

Daniel only learned he would be playing after a late change to Wigan’s plans during the final training session.

Wardle initially dropped out early in the week, with academy graduate George O’Loughlin coming into the side before he was also ruled out towards the end of the training week.

Daniel had been training on the wing because of another absence and did enough to convince Peet he was ready for the challenge against the Rhinos.

“Jake went down, and George O’Loughlin was in, then George went down at the end of our last session,” said Peet.

“Austin trained on the wing because someone else wasn’t training, and he trained really well, so I didn’t have much to think about, really. I just said ‘you’re in’.”

Despite the late call, Daniel showed little sign of nerves and instead reacted with a smile.

“He just smiled,” Peet laughed. “It was his birthday yesterday as well – he just seemed excited. He obviously loves playing the game, and I think he has grown into it through the year - I think he’s enjoying it.”

Daniel was also able to benefit from playing outside the experienced Keighran, who completed his hat-trick during a standout performance for the Warriors.

Peet has seen Keighran take a similar approach with younger players throughout the season, helping them settle into first-team rugby.

“I’ve noticed that about Adam this year,” said Peet. “There was a spell when Jack (Farrimond) was in the halves, and Adam really looked after him.

“When he’s had other people on that edge with him, Adam takes pride in that, giving young lads advice and instilling that confidence into them.”