Peet previews Castleford
- Matt Peet previews Friday’s Betfred Super League game against Castleford Tigers.
- Peet: “We’re always looking to develop as a team, I think each step throughout the season is slightly different.”
- Wigan Warriors vs Castleford Tigers, Friday 19th April, 8pm K.O.
Wigan Warriors Head Coach Matt Peet has spoken to the press ahead of Friday’s Betfred Super League Round 8 match with Castleford Tigers at the DW Stadium (8pm K.O.).
The Warriors will face off with the Tigers for the second time in less than a week, having visited Castleford for the Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter Final last time out. Peet’s side came out on top on that occasion, with an impressive 60-6 victory to send them into the last four of the competition.
Reflecting on the win, Peet said: “There’s things that we did well that we’ll look to replicate and build on, and there’s also some areas which we were a bit off that we can certainly improve and develop.
“It’s no different to any other week really, we just look to learn from it. I think the big thing was we got the start of the game right and we have to do that again.”
Looking ahead, Peet added: “Although in the end it was a comfortable victory, there were elements of our defence that Castleford exposed where we need to be stronger. We’re always looking to develop as a team, I think each step throughout the season is slightly different.
“They’re going to improve, they’re going to have learned a little bit and will want to be better, so we have to be the same.”
Despite the victory, Wigan were handed a blow as Willie Isa suffered a fracture dislocation to his ankle in the first half of the game, which saw him stretchered off just before the half hour mark. On the injury, Peet said: “We’ve been in touch with him over the phone since he’s had his appointments. There’s no real details to give yet, obviously we know it’s going to be a long term injury, so further news will follow at the right time.
“He [Willie] has an excellent mindset and approach to life in and out of sport and he’s mentally very strong. I think at the moment we’re all just waiting until we have all the information and then we can look at the best plan of attack. The thing I know about Willie is he will respond the right way and apply himself correctly. He’ll be an asset to this team, this group of players and this Club regardless of if he’s available to pick or not.”
In some positive injury news, Peet will welcome the return of Mike Cooper. The forward has been named in the 21-player squad for Friday’s clash – the first time since picking up a knee injury during the World Club Challenge victory over Penrith Panthers in February.
“It’s great for Coops, he’s been working really hard behind the scenes. He worked fantastically hard to get himself right for Penrith”, said Peet. “We’re gutted that he picked up that injury but he played a big part for us that night, and I’ll never forget what he did there. I’m looking forward to seeing him back out there.”
By Harvey Orgill.
