Wigan Warriors chief highlights Patrick Mago influence - ‘A real admirable quality of his’

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet has praised Patrick Mago’s influence on the squad after the powerhouse prop signed a new deal to remain at the club until at least the end of 2028.

Mago, 31, has made 150 appearances for the Warriors across his five seasons at the Brick Community Stadium, with 146 of those coming from the bench as an impact sub.

The Samoan front-rower has now committed his future to Wigan for at least another two years, with the club holding an option for a further 12 months.

Peet says Mago has earned his new contract through another consistent campaign and praised the way he looks after the younger members of the squad.

“I don’t think Paddy would consider himself a leader, but he definitely is with how he looks after people,” said Peet.

“He’s got a good relationship with everyone in the squad - I’ve noticed that. He’s got a connection with everyone, and he treats everyone the same, particularly the younger lads.

“He likes keeping an eye on them, giving them a bit of guidance and looking after them, so it’s a real admirable quality of his.

“He’s got that contract because he’s earned it. It’s been another really strong season from Patrick - I think he’s played every game and performed well, had some big moments, but generally been very consistent.

“As I mentioned previously, he is a very popular member of the team, and I’m delighted that he is going to be here for at least two more years.”

Meanwhile, hooker Brad O’Neill and centre Adam Keighran have both been included in the three-man shortlist for this year’s Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award after strong campaigns, with Leeds Rhinos star Lachie Miller also nominated.

“They’ve both played really well, they both picked up our Player of the Year awards, so it’s really good for them,” Peet added.

Keighran is in his third season with Wigan, and Peet believes the Australian is enjoying his best campaign to date in cherry and white.

“He was pretty good last year, but I do think that (it is his best season yet) because I remember in the first six or eight rounds thinking he had been our best and most consistent, and then in the period of losses, he was very good in that,” said Peet.

“He had a lot of personnel changing around him which probably goes unnoticed, but if you look at the year Zach (Eckersley) has had outside of him, Adam has played a part in that.

“When Jack (Farrimond) was in there, he was helping Jack out. Oliver Partington has been in the back-row on that edge, so internally, we’ve been really complimentary and appreciative of what he’s done there because he’s sort of held it together at times. He’s had some classy moments as well.”