Wigan Warriors boss tells brilliant Liam Farrell story behind relentless approach - ‘That’s your club captain’

Matt Peet has shared a brilliant story from Liam Farrell’s Wigan Warriors career, recalling seeing the captain training on his own at 6am on a dark winter morning.

Farrell recently announced he will retire at the end of the season after 17 years as a professional, bringing an end to a remarkable playing career with his hometown club.

The 36-year-old has made 428 appearances for Wigan since his first-team debut in 2010, scoring 151 tries and winning six Super League titles, five Challenge Cups, two World Club Challenges and five League Leaders’ Shields.

For Peet, however, it is Farrell’s approach to training and preparation that best explains his longevity and success.

“It’s just been a privilege to have worked with him, to watch his career develop and watch him develop, and how he conducts himself,” said Peet.

“A lot will be made about how he conducts himself on the field, and he has had those moments in big games. I’ve always thought with Liam, he has had moments in big games because of the sacrifices he makes and the way he trains. Big games suit him when it’s intense, and when there is fatigue in the game.

“He is one of those players that can keep going, and big games bring the best out of him because he really does have a relentless attitude to his training and his preparation.

“I think everyone you speak to - teammates and coaches - could tell you numerous stories about him training when he almost shouldn’t be, when he is encouraged to have time off. People would tell me they’ve seen him running through Haigh Hall at 6am before he takes his kids to school!

“I remember one off-season when it was way off the time when the lads were due back in pre-season, but we had an early morning start with some of our new academy recruits. It was still dark on a winter morning - I think it was about 6am - and I was there to welcome them, and Faz was running 10x600s on the track at Robin Park in the dark. I remember saying to the lads, ‘Listen, I was going to talk to you, but just look outside, and that’s your club captain’.

“There are loads of stories like that, but he is a great bloke. It’s been mentioned that he has done his strength and conditioning qualifications alongside his career, and being a dad of three just tells you about what he’s packed in.”

Farrell will not be leaving Wigan altogether, though, with the veteran back-rower set to remain at the club in a strength and conditioning capacity.

Peet believes his experience will make him a valuable figure around the first-team and young players in the pathway.

“He is still part of the team basically, so he will continue to be a leader here, he will continue to drive and set standards,” said Peet.

“Obviously his knowledge is really unique with what he’s been through in his career, and I think he will be a fantastic addition to our staff.”

The Warriors head coach also sees Farrell’s retirement as a natural opportunity for the next generation to compete for his place within the squad.

“That’s just the natural progression, isn’t it?” Peet continued. “I think we’ve had a little taste of it with being injured recently, and you always knew this day was going to come.

“It will certainly be sad not to have him as a player, but I am delighted that he is going to be around parting his knowledge, and I’m sure he will excel in the next stage of his career because he will just apply himself the same.”

Attention will also eventually turn to who succeeds Farrell as Wigan’s permanent captain, although Peet already has some ideas.

“Of course I have (thought about it),” said Peet. “I think it’s important that announcements are made. For the rest of this year, for sure, Harry (Smith) is doing a great job, Liam will be in the mix as well, and we’ll address it properly going into next season.

“But I do think we’ve got a strong group of leaders. I think the names speak for themselves - most of them have been captains in the past whenever Faz has been out, so there is going to be a good process there, including speaking to the players.”