Peet previews semi-final
- Matt Peet looks ahead to Sunday’s Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Hull KR.
- Peet: “We are Wigan which means you must aspire to be in these big games. This competition means so much to everyone at the club, it’s our story and it’s one we must build on.”
- Hull KR v Wigan Warriors, Headingley Stadium, Sunday 23 July, 5pm.
Matt Peet spoke to the press at Headingley Stadium on Tuesday morning, ahead of Wigan Warriors’ Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Hull KR on Sunday.
The Warriors will be aiming to take one-step closer to retaining the Challenge Cup this weekend, after last season’s 16-14 victory over Huddersfield Giants at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Speaking on the hunger to lift the trophy for a second successive year, Peet said: “Even if we hadn’t won the competition last year, we would still want it just as much. We are Wigan which means you must aspire to be in these big games. The competition – with its heritage and tradition – means so much to everyone at the club, it’s our story and it’s one we must build on.”
Reflecting on last years success, Peet said: “When you look back on the pictures from last year and see the trophy doing the rounds in the community, you think about the memories you can build. Although it doesn’t matter what we’ve done in the past because come 5pm on Sunday we must make sure we get our fundamentals right.”
The Cherry and Whites will face Hull KR for a place in the final at Wembley Stadium in August, and on the opposition, Peet said: “We have to put in our best performance of the season because if it’s anything less then we wont be in the final.
“There won’t be any surprises on Sunday as we know what Hull KR are about. They have some outstanding individuals, and Willie [Peters] has made sure they are a team with high-effort, energy, and physicality. Now they have a set spine, I think they will start to reclimb ladder.”
When asked about the influence assistant coaches Tommy Leuluai and Sean O’Loughlin – who have each won two Challenge Cups as Wigan players – have on the current squad, Peet said: “We are in a very fortunate position with Tommy and Sean as not only do they have phenomenal technical knowledge and understandings of the game, most importantly they are just two good humble blokes.
“They were both fierce competitors who provide great examples on how to be on and off the pitch, as well as helping to keep that balance when on the pursuit of excellence and during the process. If you are with someone who has been to a place before, it makes you feel safer – that’s what we gain from them.”
The Warrriors announced this morning that Kaide Ellis has signed a new three-year deal with the club, and speaking on the extension, Peet said: “Kaide showed last year what he’s capable of and this year he’s showed he deserves the extension.”
He added: “There’s been a few games this season where Kaide has been excellent, but the challenge for him now is to build consistency. He’s doing everything he can off the pitch, and now that he has settled into the competition – as well as the country – we will see the best of Kaide.”
Tickets for our semi-final clash – which includes entry to the Warriors Women’s semi-final against Leeds Rhinos at 2:15pm – are available to buy online HERE and in-Store at Robin Park Arena (open Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm).
Tickets will be taken off sale online and in-store at 4pm on Friday 21 July. All tickets bought online will be posted out and there is no delivery charge when purchasing, however, please note that tickets purchased online after 4pm on Tuesday 18 July will need to be collected from the Robin Park Arena Club store.
