Peet previews Huddersfield
- Matt Peet spoke to the press ahead of Friday night’s Betfred Super League clash against Huddersfield Giants at the DW Stadium.
- Peet: “We’ll learn a lot from our performance this week, whether we’re capable of going again and maintaining our standards.”
- Watch the full Huddersfield Giants preview with Matt Peet on Wigan TV HERE.
Matt Peet spoke to the press on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Wigan Warriors’ Betfred Super League clash against Huddersfield Giants.
The Warriors return to Betfred Super League action as World Champions on Friday night, after defeating Penrith Panthers at the DW Stadium in the Betfred World Club Challenge.
Peet’s side host Huddersfield Giants in Round 3, and speaking on Ian Watson’s team, the Warriors head coach said: “Huddersfield are a very determined, structured and organised team. Everyone knows their role really well, they commit to their processes, and they don’t give you much – you’ve got to earn it.”
The Giants welcome back Jake Connor to the 21-man squad, and when asked about identifying individuals, Peet said: “They have some outstanding players. (Tui) Lolohea, (Adam) Clune and (Jake) Connor are three really talented players and they’ve got a really industrious forward pack as well led by Chris Hill.
“Esan Marsters too has been playing well and is an outstanding player.. They’ve got a good coach, so I know for sure that they won’t be coming here to roll over.”
Peet confirmed to the press that Tom Forber will play minutes in the absence of Kruise Leeming. Speaking on Forber, who is set to make his first senior appearance since his debut in 2022, Peet said: “He’s a very popular member of this squad because of the way he goes about his business – very hard working, very professional, very unassuming.
“He’s had to be patient for the last year or two because we’ve been well stocked in his position, but we’re very confident about his ability. Everyone’s really looking forward to seeing him come on and his effort will be through the roof.”
The Warriors face the challenge of a quick return to Betfred Super League action following their 16-12 Betfred World Club Challenge victory over Penrith four days ago. Despite the psychological and physical tasks ahead, Peet highlighted the fixture presents an important opportunity to learn.
He said: “Hopefully we learn from this and it makes us better. I expect our players and coaches to improve coming out of this week.
“We always knew this was one of the challenges this season would bring – coming out of this game. It should elevate our learning, elevate our experience as players and coaches, and hopefully it will make us all better.”
Peet has also called upon his squad to use the intensity shown in the victory over the Panthers going forward: “The challenge is backing up the performance and that’s how we’re looking at it. The best teams play that intensity week in week out – that’s what we’re aiming for.
“We’ll learn a lot from our performance this week, whether we’re capable of going again and maintaining our standards – that’s what we’re looking forward to finding out.
“This is a fantastic challenge and one that we’re glad we’ve got – we’re glad we played Penrith last week, we’re glad it was a great game, and we’re glad we’re at home this week to play in front of our fans.”
Match tickets for the clash against the Giants have been reduced to £5 per person, and can be purchased either from the DW Stadium Ticket Office in-person, by calling 01942311111 or online HERE. Full details on Friday night’s celebration with the World Champions can be found HERE.
The Club have issued a ticketing statement ahead of the fixture against Huddersfield, which can be read HERE.
Matt Peet is sponsored by Warriors Lotto Agents.
By Harvey Orgill.
