Peet previews Leeds
- Matt Peet previews Friday’s Round 12 game against Leeds Rhinos at the DW Stadium.
- Peet: “It certainly wasn’t picking them up – it’s business as usual.”
- Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos, Friday 12 May, DW Stadium, 8pm K.O.
Matt Peet told the press it’s ‘business as usual’ as his Warriors side prepare for Friday’s clash with Leeds Rhinos at the DW Stadium.
The Warriors will be aiming to bounce back in front of home support after a 14-10 defeat at Hull FC in Round 11, a result which ended Wigan’s six match winning run.
Reflecting on the loss, Peet said: “There were elements of the performance we didn’t get right but at the end of the day if we’d have managed to execute better and won the game, preparation would not have been much different this week.
“We understand we are going to have great days and less positive days. Our aim is to keep improving and building the club, and the players are very honest when they come into work. We have looked at it to see where we can improve, but it certainly wasn’t picking them up – it’s business as usual.”
Iain Thornley marked his return to first team action with two tries at the MKM Stadium, in what was his first Super League appearance in 12 months after a lengthy lay-off with a knee injury.
Speaking on Thornley’s performance, Peet was full of praise for the centre: “He was outstanding and it was a testament to how hard he has worked behind the scenes. They go through a hell of a lot these players when recovering from long-term injuries, but for him to step back into such an intense game and to perform the way he did it was a credit to him.
“Iain has played in big games for this club – Challenge Cup Finals and Grand Finals – and if he performs like he did last week, every week, he’ll be influential.”
Peet and his Wigan side are preparing to take on a Leeds side, who have lost consecutive Super League matches against Leigh Leopards and at home to Salford Red Devils last time out.
However, Peet is fully aware of the threat Rohan Smith’s outfit pose: “Leeds are an exciting team. When they execute the way they are capable of doing, and with their commitment to the way they want to play, you have got to be on your guard. We have to prepare for their best, and the fact is they have some outstanding players and will come here fully determined.”
Friday’s Super League clash is the first of successive meetings with Leeds, as Warriors face Rhinos in the Challenge Cup at Headingley Stadium the following weekend.
Speaking on the preparation for both fixtures, Peet said: “An important two points are available and we are at home where we take a lot of pride in how we play in front of supporters. We won’t be looking beyond this week and it has not been mentioned in any of our team meetings.”
Peet also revealed he has been impressed with Zach Eckersley, who scored his fifth try in three matches for Widnes Vikings in their 11-4 defeat at Batley Bulldogs last night.
He said: “Zach is taking loads of positive steps, he is applying himself really well and he is in good hands with John [Kear] at Widnes. I thought he showed some really classy touches and I was impressed with him last night.
“Players like Abbas and Jake Wardle should be feeling the heat from Zach. It will bring out the best in them and for any reason if there is a dip in form then Zach will be ready to step in.”
Join us at the DW Stadium this Friday night as we take on Leeds Rhinos in Betfred Super League (8pm K.O.) with tickets available HERE.
