‘Positive influence’ - Wigan Warriors chief explains Ollie Partington’s impact since hometown return

Matt Peet has praised Ollie Partington’s impact since returning to Wigan Warriors, highlighting both his performances and influence within the first-team squad.

Partington rejoined his hometown club ahead of this season after three years away from Wigan. The 28-year-old spent two seasons with Salford and one with Catalans Dragons before returning to the Warriors, and has made 29 appearances across all competitions this year.

Partington has also shown his versatility during his first season back at the Brick Community Stadium, starting at loose forward, featuring from the bench in the front-row and more recently filling the void in the back-row.

He was also part of the Wigan side which lifted the Challenge Cup at Wembley in May, and Peet has been pleased with what he has brought both on and off the field.

“He’s been really good,” said Peet.

“I think you get the chance to see what he does on gameday, which has been excellent, but also I just think he has had a real positive influence on the group.

“He is a good character, very driven as you can imagine, but he is just a good lad all-round, enjoys the company of his teammates, and I think he’s helped bring the best out of some of them, as they’ve helped bring the best out of him.”

Peet has also been impressed with the way scrum-half Harry Smith has handled the added responsibility of captaining the side while Liam Farrell has been sidelined with injury.

“He’s handled that really well, but to be honest, he has been a leader here for quite some time,” said Peet.

“That is probably one of the reasons why he’s been talked about, but the reason he is captain at the moment is that he has been a leader here for a few years and he’s handled it well.”

Smith is part of a Wigan spine which has been able to string some games together in recent weeks, with Jai Field, Bevan French, Smith and Brad O’Neill all featuring consistently.

Jack Farrimond, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, has also been included in that group by Peet, with the head coach stressing the importance of hopefully keeping players fit and available ahead of the play-offs.

“I think every team is in the same boat,” Peet continued.

“If you can get your first-choice spine out, or close to it, put Jack (Farrimond) in that bracket as well, then you fancy your chances.

“I think Huddersfield have shown what an influence Adam Clune has had, and I don’t think there is any coincidence that teams who get their 1, 6, 7 and 9 on the field consistently tend to do alright, so hopefully that continues.”