Wigan Warriors boss explains why bringing Ollie Partington back has worked out perfectly

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet believes Ollie Partington is having a huge influence on his side after praising the forward’s ‘infectious’ attitude following Friday’s derby win over St Helens.

Partington scored twice in Wigan’s 38-16 victory at the Brick Community Stadium, continuing an impressive first season back at his hometown club.

The 27-year-old rejoined the Warriors ahead of the 2026 campaign on a five-year deal after spending two seasons with Salford and one with Catalans Dragons, and has featured 24 times in all competitions, helping Wigan lift the Challenge Cup at Wembley in May.

While his two tries caught the eye against Saints, Peet believes Partington’s contribution goes far beyond dotting the ball down over the line.

“I thought Oliver Partington - nothing to do with him scoring a try by the way - I just thought his energy, diving on loose balls, he was first to everything,” Peet said.

“He’s having such a positive effect on the team at the moment, so hopefully he isn’t going unnoticed either.

“My mentioning of him has nothing to do with him scoring. I’m glad he scored, I’m glad he scored two, but he’s just someone you would love to play with. I think it’s infectious, his appetite to compete, hopefully it’s having a positive effect on everyone else.”

Partington left Wigan at the end of 2022 in search of regular first-team opportunities before establishing himself as one of Super League’s most consistent forwards during his time at Salford and then at Catalans.

Peet admitted the decision was the right one at the time, with Morgan Smithies ahead of him in the pecking order, and believes the move has ultimately benefitted both the player and the club.

“No, I understand it - I think it’s worked out perfectly,” Peet continued.

“I remember the conversation with him... He was too good not to play, and at the time we had Morgan Smithies who was in front of him, that was the way it played out, and then we got him back.

“Things happen for a reason, don’t they? But he was always - a bit like James McDonnell going to Leeds - he was always a player that when we let go, I knew he was a player, we knew he was a player, but you can’t keep them all, and Harvie Hill was the same.

“I’m just really pleased that we managed to get him back, and he’s probably enjoying it even more now. If he’d been here for all that time, maybe he would’ve started taking things for granted and not being as desperate, and he might be telling me he wants to move because he’s stale! So I’m glad he’s here, full of energy, and he’s going to be here for a while.”