Peet previews Catalans
- Matt Peet previews Thursday’s Betfred Super League fixture against Catalans Dragons.
- Peet: “Sometimes it’s the ones that hurt that you learn the most from, and that’s what I’d like to see some signs of this week.”
- Tickets for the game are still available right up until kick-off. Get all the information HERE.
MATT PEET SPOKE TO THE PRESS ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON AHEAD OF WIGAN’S ROUND 10 BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE CLASH WITH Catalans Dragons AT the DW Stadium.
Peet’s side will be looking to bounce back from defeat against Hull KR last time out, as they face Catalans Dragons for the first time since meeting in the 2023 Betfred Super League Grand Final in October.
Reflecting on the loss, Peet said: “We speak about being honest and open with one another. It’s not just players, it’s staff as well. We share the good times but we’ve also got to share the pain when it doesn’t go well. Honesty is the route to getting clarity and that’s how you learn and move forward.”
He added: “We’re not proud of that performance and we want to improve, but sometimes it’s the ones that hurt that you learn the most from, and that’s what I’d like to see some sign of this week.”
Despite being beaten by Leigh Leopards in their previous encounter, this week’s opposition sit in second place in the Betfred Super League table going into Round 10. Speaking on Catalans’ season so far, Peet said: “They’ve got a lot of new players, especially in their spine. With Sam (Tomkins) being out of there they’ve lost some experience and I think they’re just finding their feet.
“There’s a lot of traits of a good Catalans team there, particularly when they’re at their best – big powerful forwards, a great kicking game. They play a patient style of rugby and they’ve got quality throughout. I think they’re just building – Steve (McNamara) will be striving for consistency, but we’ve got to be prepared for the best of them.”
Peet credited McNamara’s role in developing the squad during his tenure, which he sees as a big strength for the Perpignan side: “I think it’s outstanding, I think it’s going to be a major part of Steve’s legacy at the club”, said Peet. “I do think it’s what’s taken them from a team that would be excellent but inconsistent, to a team that you know what you’re going to get when you play against them now.
“The hunger that those players bring, the strength in depth that they bring – now if certain players aren’t available you know they’ve got able deputies.”
Sam Walters has returned from injury to be named in the 21-man squad against the Dragons, whilst Liam Byrne is also back available for selection for the Warriors, having missed the previous four fixtures through suspension. Peet will welcome the return of the prop, who he says has been itching to get back on the field: “We love what he brings – his work ethic and his energy are a big things for us, we think a lot of Liam”, said Peet.
“There’s been a few little things that he’s tuned up both technically and physically. He plays a pretty simple game, so a lot of it is about his body being the best it can be. I just want him to be him and I’m sure he will be.”
Watch more match previews on Wigan TV HERE.
By Harvey Orgill.
