Peet previews Castleford

• Matt Peet looks ahead to Saturday’s trip to Castleford.
• Peet: “We have got to put the excuses to one side and concentrate on getting the performance because we all know Castleford is a tough place to visit.”
• Watch the Head Coach’s pre-match interview on Wigan TV HERE.

Head Coach Matt Peet says Wigan Warriors must put the excuses to one side on Saturday and back up last week’s Challenge Cup triumph.

Whilst reflecting on a weekend to remember, the boss admitted the dangers of the Betfred Super League trip to Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.

Peet told Wigan TV: “It [Last weekend] was unbelievable. It was probably the best weekend of my life. The lads have worked really hard, the staff has worked really hard, and the supporters have stuck with us through thick and thin so when you have got those moments, it’s fantastic.

“It is important to savour these moments, there is no point working so hard and winning it if you just gloss over it afterwards. We have got to wear that badge with pride over the coming 12 months. We have to get the trophy out there in the schools and the community clubs with our supporters to recognise we are Challenge Cup winners, and we will be until this time next year or beyond.

“We are in the exact position we want to be in. We have got to put the excuses to one side and concentrate on getting the performance because we all know Castleford is a tough place to visit.”

Peet also commented on the personnel that will miss the trip to Yorkshire.

On Cade Cust’s injury – picked up in the Cup Final – he said: “He dislocated his elbow, he has had x-rays and scans on Tuesday, so we just need to speak to the specialist around return to training, play, and any added complications of which we are not aware. We are looking at him missing a good few weeks.”

Morgan Smithies picked up a four-match ban for two separate sanctions from the Final, so will only be available for selection again for the Magic Weekend fixture against St Helens next month. Peet spoke about “a lack of accuracy from Morgan” and added “he needs to do better to execute those tackles”.

With the forced changes to the team, Peet spoke about an alteration in the halves: “We are not sure what way we will go but we have a few options with [Sam] Powell, Jai [Field], and Bevan [French]. We are blessed in a way that we have players who can adapt and play different roles.”

When asked about Powell returning and how the hooker has dealt with his six-match ban, Peet added: “He has been inspirational. I reckon he is a big reason why we went on to win the competition [Challenge Cup] with how much he has helped players in the background, how positive he has been and how much he has helped prepare our Reserves to train against the first team. He is the kind of player you build the Club around.”

By Ryan Kuzio