York Knights v Wigan Warriors: Matt Peet previews Super League clash as further improvement targeted

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet believes his side will need to be ‘very, very good’ if they are to overcome York Knights on Saturday afternoon.

The Warriors head to the LNER Community Stadium in strong form, having won six of their last seven matches in all competitions, including an emphatic 48-10 victory over Wakefield Trinity last Friday.

However, Peet is taking nothing for granted against a York side that pushed Wigan all the way when the teams met earlier this season, with the Warriors recovering from 14-0 down to claim a dramatic 23-22 victory at the Brick Community Stadium in March.

Asked what improvements, if any, he wants to see from his side this week, Peet said: “I think we will have to be very, very good.

“They’re a team that brings a great deal of physicality and commitment, and they are very committed at home, so we understand that Mark (Applegarth) will have his team well set up and motivated.

“There are improvements we can make in our game. The fact that we conceded two tries (against Wakefield) and probably other opportunities that we let through, and where we can be a bit tighter defensively.”

Wigan produced some eye-catching attacking rugby against Wakefield, scoring nine tries to continue their recent momentum. While pleased with the performance, Peet stressed the importance of earning the right to play expansively.

“Firstly, I think it’s important to acknowledge that Wakefield were missing players, but I was pleased with the performance,” he said.

“I thought there was a good balance around it. We managed to play some expansive rugby, but it was off the back of getting the basics right at the start of the game, so we earned the right, and when we do that, we know we’ve got the ability to be a good team.

“We’ve just got to keep reminding ourselves of that and get the work done.”

York are currently in their maiden Super League campaign and sit 13th in the table with three wins from 14 matches. Despite losing their last five games, Peet believes there are plenty of positive signs around the club under head coach Mark Applegarth.

“I feel like there is a lot of optimism around York,” he said.

“I know Mark is a smart, switched-on coach and Clint (Goodchild, owner) has a long-term vision for the club.

“They certainly troubled us when they came down to The Brick earlier in the year. We were probably fortunate that night to get away with the win, they really caused us problems, so if there was a game to look back on, on what to expect from York, it’s probably the home game.”

Saturday’s fixture will be Peet’s first visit to York as Wigan head coach, although he remembers a previous trip to the city during his time as an assistant coach, when Wigan picked up a 26-0 win over then Championship side in the Challenge Cup third round in 2021.

“As head coach, it will be,” he said.

“I went there in the Cup as an assistant coach once, and we had a tough night when York were in the Championship, so we know we’re going into a very energised stadium - proud club, proud coach, quality players, so I’m very excited about it.”