Peet previews Giants

[josie andrews]

Matt Peet spoke to the press on Tuesday afternoon as he previews Thursday’s game against Huddersfield Giants.
Peet: “We’ve got the four points and it’s about building on that now.“

Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants, Thursday 24th February, DW Stadium (8pm K.O.)

Matt Peet discussed this Thursday’s opponents Huddersfield Giants, as well as the season so far, Jai Field’s fine form and the return of Bevan French in his weekly press conference.

“The fact we’re pleased comes from the performance rather than the results, or as well as the results. The way we seem to be working hard, the lads are putting the team first, they’re committed to each other – it’s that side of it that’s been most pleasing,” Peet said on the season so far.

He added: “It was a tough start, the League are quite smart when they pair those teams up in the opening rounds to create excitement, they certainly picked out teams that we didn’t perform well against last season. Whoever you face in those opening rounds they’re fresh, they’re motivated and they’re healthy generally so it’s been a good start. We’ve got the four points and it’s about building on that now.

“I hope the lads are enjoying the work. We try to encourage them to enjoy it consistently, you can’t just enjoy it when you win and be grumpy when you lose – it’s about enjoying the process. There’s been a determination with the group to build and improve, put right some things so the lads are excited but determined.”

Peet was unsurprisingly questioned on Jai Field’s fine start to the season: “I just think Jai continues to develop and grow in confidence. He has cohesion and confidence in the team, I like the fact that he’s saving tries as well as scoring them and it’s exciting for the fans. He’s committed, he was put in some tough positions, we know teams are going to challenge him with the high kicks and physicality and at the moment he seems to be enjoying that as much as the attack.”

On what challenge this week’s opponents Huddersfield Giants pose, Peet said: “They’re a quality outfit, with a quality coach. They have strong processes and I think last year they showed where they were heading, what they were hoping to build to under Ian (Watson), and now he’s got his squad so he’s got the players that can fit his style. They’re very workmen like, great effort team and they’ve got some class as well.”

Peet lauded the fans for turning up in numbers on Friday despite Storm Eunice playing it’s part, and hopes to see plenty of faces again this Thursday: “It was well received by the players that so many people did brave the elements on Friday. Hopefully, it was worth it, I feel like it should have been worth it given the game that they saw. The more people that can take on the challenge of a Thursday evening, plus the weather and the challenges that brings, it helps the team, the lads appreciate it massively and they’re keen to repay those fans that make the effort to come out and they absolutely contribute to our performances as well.”

Finally, Matt Peet confirmed that Bevan French is back in Wigan and has started his assessments: “We’ve started his preliminary assessments. He’s not long off the flight, so he hasn’t been pushed too hard today. The main thing is he’s loved here, he’s a great character, he’s loved by his teammates and everyone in the Club. He’s always got a smile on his face and people have really felt for him with everything he’s been through so they’re just really happy to have him back in the Wigan family.”

“The hard work starts now, he’s been put through his paces a little bit this morning and that’ll continue to build, he’ll have the proper tests done and we’ll put a plan in place to make sure that when he does play – he’s flying.”

Matt Peet also spoke to Wigan TV on Tuesday afternoon, see the full interview with the Warriors Head Coach HERE. Not a subscriber? Join today from £5.99 per month for exclusive content, match highlights and much more!

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2022/02/ ... ws-giants/