Wigan Warriors boss on 'excellent' Luke Thompson and positional calls after Huddersfield Giants win
Luke Thompson produced another big performance in Wigan Warriors’ win over Huddersfield Giants
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet praised the influence of Luke Thompson after the England international made his first start since returning from injury in Friday night’s 24-10 victory over Huddersfield Giants.
Thompson returned to the starting line-up at the Accu Stadium and made a strong impact through the middle as the Warriors ground out another important Super League victory.
Peet was pleased with what he saw from the experienced prop.
“I thought he was excellent,” Peet said. “Very punchy, worked hard - he was good.”
Another player to impress was centre Adam Keighran, who continued his outstanding season with two assists, 17 tackles and 137 metres from nine carries.
Peet felt one of Keighran’s carries early in the second half proved to be a pivotal moment in the contest.
“He made a carry out of his own end, which I think swung the game,” Peet explained. “I think we were on the back foot at the start of the second half. I thought Huddersfield had the better of it, and just that one run earned us some field position when there wasn’t really much on for us.
“His skill execution was good, and George O’Loughlin got a great assist away to Zach (Eckersley). I suppose that’s what centres are there for.”
Peet also explained his decision to start youngster Kian McDermott in the back-row despite the 20-year-old being more accustomed to playing in the front-row.
McDermott produced an industrious display, finishing as Wigan’s top tackler with 39.
“We thought he would do well,” said Peet.
“He moves well, runs good lines, he is very dependable, so we just thought he was the best one for the job - he is a front-rower by trade, but we just thought he was the next person to play in that position.”
Meanwhile, George O’Loughlin’s place on the interchange bench was largely due to the utility value he offers the Warriors.
“He is able to cover back-row, and he is able to cover centre for us,” Peet added.
“We knew Adam could cover the halves, and George played well last week in starting the game (against Warrington Wolves), and he covers a range of positions.”
Next up for Wigan is a derby clash against rivals St Helens at the Brick Community Stadium on Friday night, 8pm kick-off.