Peet previews Leigh
- Head Coach Matt Peet previews Friday’s Betfred Super League clash at home to Leigh Leopards.
- Peet: “Every game we’ve had with them has been full throttle and had that derby feel about it.”
- Wigan Warriors vs Leigh Leopards, Friday 4th July, 8pm K.O. Get your tickets online HERE.
Matt Peet spoke to the press on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the Warriors’ Round 16 Betfred Super League tie at home to Leigh Leopards on Friday evening.
The Warriors arrive into the game on the back of the international break, which saw four of Matt Peet’s side – Harry Smith, Tyler Dupree, Luke Thompson, and Brad O’Neill – play in England’s victory against France in Toulouse with Tiaki Chan also featuring for the opposition.
On O’Neill, who started the fixture to make his international debut, Peet said: “Brad’s one of those players who is always full of enthusiasm. Everything that’s put in front of him at the moment he laps it up and he brings a lot of energy. This week’s been exactly the same and I think he should take a lot of confidence from being involved in that England squad.”
As for Peet and the rest of the squad, they will be looking to come into Friday’s return to Betfred Super League action energised, with a week’s rest granted following their victory against London Broncos at The Brick Community Stadium last time out.
“We gave the lads the best part of a week off straight out of the London game”, said Peet. “I feel it’s really important for us all – players and staff – it’s been a very intense season so far. Our second game of the season was a massive one and since then we’ve played in every round of the cup competition, so it’s a chance to give most of the squad a bit of downtime. I think some of them got a bit of sun on their back which is going to be important, as it will be full throttle now until October.
“We don’t shy away from it here – you work hard and then you get chance to rest and refresh, to spend time with your family. It’s important.”
On the impact of the break on the First Team’s return to training this week, Peet said: “I think there’s been a good feeling this week that the lads have enjoyed being back amongst one another. The energy of the group is fantastic, they get on really well – a lot of laughter mixed in with some important sessions and conversations.”
As for this week’s opponents, the two sides previously faced off this season back in Round 7 at Leigh Sports Village, where the Warriors came out with an impressive 40-12 victory. Since then, the Leopards have won four of their last eight Betfred Super League fixtures, but a loss away to Leeds Rhinos last time out leaves them seven points off the play-off places coming into Friday’s game.
Peet expects Leigh to present another fierce contest in this latest Battle of the Borough: “I think we know each other as teams very well. There’s no surprises with Leigh, they’re very intense. They’re obviously excellently coached by Lammy (Adrian Lam) and Tony Clubb, regardless of the score that day every game we’ve had with them has been full throttle and had that derby feel about it.”
“I also feel that it’s coming to that time of the year now for Leigh where they’re a better team than their league position suggests, they’ve had injuries to contend with. I think they’ll be looking to pick up some points, pick up some form, and I’m sure they’ll think there’s no better place to do it than Wigan away.”
He added: “They won a cup competition last year and deserved it, and I think they can beat anyone on their day as they’ve proved in the past. I feel like even the games where they’ve not had a full compliment they’ve been very competitive, particularly through the middle of the field, and they’ve got such an important left edge as well. I think when they’ve got their best 17 out they combine an aggressive forward pack with some real quality, intelligent pivots.”
Join the Warriors back at The Brick Community Stadium this Friday night. Tickets are available from The Brick Community Ticket Office right up until kick-off (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) and online HERE.
By Harvey Orgill.
