Peet previews London

• Matt Peet previews Friday’s home clash against London Broncos.
• Peet: “I can’t wait and I think we have a duty to make sure we perform this week.”
• Wigan Warriors v London Broncos, Friday 21st June, 8pm K.O. Get tickets HERE.

Matt Peet spoke to the press on tuesday afternoon ahead of Friday’s Betfred Super League Round 15 clash at home to London Broncos.

Having returned to Betfred Super League action last week with a victory away to Castleford Tigers, the Warriors will be looking to keep their place at the sharp end of the league table, where they sit level on points with St Helens at the top heading into Friday’s contest. As for the opposition, the Broncos picked up their first Betfred Super League victory of the season at home to Hull FC in May, having struggled to find results in their first campaign back in the top tier.

On this week’s opponents, Peet said: “I think the way that Mike (Eccles) and his team have attacked this year, in difficult circumstances, they’ve done it with honour really. I feel like every time they take the field everyone understands that they’re up against it, but they don’t moan and they play the game the right way.

“They can take a lot of pride in how they’re attacking games and I feel like they’ve got some class about them – which isn’t easy when they’re losing games – but every game they compete. They look like a team who connect with one another and I think they can hold their heads high.”

He added: “We’re certainly expecting them to come and bring their usual commitment. I think they play some good rugby league, they certainly move the ball, and I thought the win they secured against Hull was an outstanding performance and showed what they’re about.”

The Warriors made the trip to London back in Round 3, when a squad mixed with youth and experience helped Matt Peet’s side to a 22-60 victory at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

⏩ 𝙉𝙀𝙓𝙏 𝙈𝘼𝙏𝘾𝙃

🏡 Back Home in @SuperLeague action this Friday! We take on London Broncos as we celebrate our Armed Forces!

🎟️ Tickets 👉 https://t.co/MZLvisYokd#WWRL #SLWIGLON pic.twitter.com/7GZ1zv63vF

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) June 17, 2024

The Head Coach did give a further update on the injury to Jai Field: “It will be around the 6-8 week mark. I think it shouldn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated how special it was what he did that day”, said Peet. “I was thinking initially it would be less because he finished the game, but it just made me realise how tough he played. What we won’t do is rush him back.”

Friday’s fixture welcomes the Cherry and Whites’ first home game for seven weeks, since defeating Catalans Dragons in front of over 14,000 Warriors supporters at the beginning of May. Looking forward to returning to the Brick Community Stadium, Peet said: “It almost feels strange playing at home because it’s been so long. We just can’t wait to get back in front of our fans and all the things around playing at home – your own changing rooms, your own supporters, your own field. I can’t wait and I think we have a duty to make sure we perform this week.”

The return to home soil also signals the club’s celebration of the Armed Forces, with a range of events and displays in and around the ground set to add to the evening’s atmosphere. On the occasion, Peet said: “Armed Forces day is one of those fixtures that everyone values, appreciates, and understands why we have it. Not only for the people at the present time that are sacrificing for the country, but it’s also a good chance to respect those in the past that have made sacrifices.

“There’s always a buzz around the ground and I think our players appreciate it. It’s a real worthy fixture.”

By Harvey Orgill.