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MATT PEET SAID HE WAS ‘VERY PROUD’ AS THE WARRIORS BEAT HULL KR 9-2 AT OLD TRAFFORD TO BE CROWNED 2024 BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, CLAIMING ALL FOUR TROPHIES IN A CALENDAR YEAR.

Speaking at the full-time hooter, Matt Peet said: “I’m very proud, it’s unbelievable really but it’s testament to the hard work of so many people led by Mike [Danson] and particularly Kris [Radlinski], I think what he’s done at this Club is remarkable and I’m grateful to play a part of it for the time being.

“I do think and I’ve always thought that this is where we belong as a town and a Rugby League Club. We’re not guaranteed to always win but there’s a certain way we go about our business and I thought tonight was a great showcase of us and the game

It was a game where defences were on top throughout with just seven points separating the teams at the interval and just a penalty goal apiece in the second half. On the defence, Peet said: “Sean O’Loughlin deserves a lot of credit and Tommy [Leuluai] equally.

“It helps when you’re attack coach is probably the best tackler the Club has ever had – the defence speaks for everything we do. I think we looked like we were enjoying defending today, when Hull KR were moving the ball we just continued to turn up and that’s why the defence makes me proud.”

The Warriors now hold all four trophies available after claiming the World Club Challenge, Challenge Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and Super League trophy. On what is next for the Warriors, Peet was insistent that his side take time to reflect and enjoy their achievements in 2024: “We’ll have a rest, let it sink in, reflect. Every trophy we’ve won this year we were always moving on pretty quick. I know at some point we’ll be think about that [The 2025 Campaign] but I want the lads to be in the moment tonight and tomorrow together.”

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/10/ ... ery-proud/

Warriors win the Grand Final

* Match Report as Wigan Warriors win the 2024 Betfred Super League Grand Final with victory over Hull Kingston Rovers at Old Trafford.

* Bevan French’s first-half moment of magic would ultimately be the difference as the game’s only try, with Harry Smith and Adam Keighran also scoring points for the Warriors from the boot.

* FT | Wigan Warriors 9-2 Hull KR.

MATCH REPORT AS WIGAN WARRIORS WIN BACK-TO-BACK BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE GRAND FINALS WITH VICTORY OVER HULL KINGSTON ROVERS.

The Warriors sealed back-to-back Betfred Super League Grand Final victories and made history as the only team to win every trophy on offer in a calendar year as they defeated Hull KR by nine points to two at Old Trafford.

A typically sensational moment of brilliance from Bevan French was the game’s only try, with Adam Keighran converting from the tee either side of a Harry Smith drop goal on the stroke of half-time, as Ethan Havard made his 100th Wigan appearance. Mikey Lewis cut the deficit for the Robins with a penalty, but the Warriors defence stood firm on every occasion to deny their opposition from crossing.

Report

Neither side would risk much in the opening exchanges as their sets would continue to end around the half-way point, where Harry Smith would target Joe Burgess on a number of occasions. The former Wigan man was nearly dragged into touch by a combination of Jake Wardle and Liam Marshall, but he would just stay in bounds.

Despite Hull KR gathering some momentum with five minutes gone on the clock after some strong defensive sets to keep the Warriors penned back, an excellent kick from Smith inside his own half would find touch. Though just short of the 20 metre mark, it would allow his side some needed breathing room in what was an extremely territorial battle.

Both teams were beginning to get more expansive in their play with 10 minutes on the clock, and following a weaving carry from Matt Parcell to take the Robins into a good position, Mikey Lewis would hoist a kick in the direction of Abbas Miski. Tyrone May beat the Wigan winger to the ball which would return to the hands of Lewis, but May had knocked the ball on before the Man of Steel could ground and a no try was given.

Having ridden out the early Rovers storm, a 20 metre restart would see the Warriors out of their half and in possession, where Luke Thompson was able to gain some healthy metres on the ground. With Bevan French dancing his way out of tackles as the Cherry and Whites closed in on their opposition, Junior Nsemba looked to attack from the left edge, but a swiping tackle sent him head first into the grass. Slow to get up, Nsemba would have to make way for a Head Injury Assessment.

While the Warriors had come close themselves to finding a gap in their opposition, Hull KR’s Kelepi Tanginoa would have the most threatening break of the opening 20 minutes, but with no one on his shoulder, Liam Farrell made a crucial tackle to stop him in his tracks. Lewis would attempt to kick and chase past the recovering Wigan defence from dummy-half, but Jai Field was on his toes to kick the ball out of play. A resulting goal-line dropout would give KR good field position, but Matt Peet’s side stood firm in defence.

The defensive set would prove to be a valuable one, as French would make the next possession count in style. Receiving the ball from Kaide Ellis on the right flank, the Australian dummied past Parcell before skipping away from Niall Evalds to dive in front of the Wigan fans and open the scoring with 22 minutes gone. Adam Keighran knocked the conversion through to put his side up by six.

The Warriors were smelling blood and, though Smith’s kicks had been well dealt with by Burgess and Evalds up to that point, a mix up between the pair allowed Marshall to sneak in and kick the ball forward once more. The winger chased it to the corner where he appeared the ground the ball, but a no try was given both on the field and following review.

The decision would spur a threatening shift in momentum, as the resulting penalty took the Robins well into Warriors’ territory. Tyrone May received the ball in centre field and looked to move it from left to right, but Jai Whitbread knocked on to put an end to that particular opportunity, as Nsemba made his way back onto the field to the applause of the Warriors support.

Unfortunately for those wearing Cherry and White inside Old Trafford, the momentum would continue in favour of Willie Peters’ side when French was penalised for obstruction to grant possession back to Hull KR. Trying and testing the Warriors right edge, Lewis took a chance and went for the line, but he was held up by a number of Wigan players. The Robins would do well to continue their momentum on the set with a couple of offloads in attempt to tee themselves up, but they failed to crack the stubborn Warriors defence.

Aside from his moment of magic, French had given his side valuable metres on several occasions and in doing so, he would set up Smith for another good kicking opportunity. Evalds had looked growingly uncomfortable as the half went on at full-back and he would nearly pay the price for letting this ball bounce, but Nsemba knocked on upon beating him to it.

Again reliable, French bailed his side out with a brave horizontal carry at the back after scooping up a loose ball from Lewis’ kick, allowing Wardle to break from dummy-half. He was hit with a high tackle upon racing away, giving the Warriors a big opportunity to post points before the half’s end with threatening field position. They moved the ball towards the right flank where Keighran looked for Miski, but Ryan Hall was well-placed to bat the ball down.

With time running thin, the Warriors took one tackle from the resulting scrum to tee up Harry Smith for a drop goal attempt which he nailed, capping off a fantastic half with the boot and sending his side into the break 7-0 up.

Receiving the ball to start the second half, the Robins were quickest out of the blocks with a number of sets in threatening field position. One would see the tie almost turn into a basketball match as the Warriors looked to capitalise on a loose pass and break, but they themselves would knock on, lose possession and allow the opposition with another opportunity. Lewis once again would try the line to no avail before his side moved the ball the way of their left edge, where Hall was swarmed by Miski and Keighran to end the attack.

With hailstones falling out of the Manchester sky and half an hour to go in the Grand Final, errors were creeping in for both sides and costing them in their attacks. The Robins had taken advantage of a handover to march their way up the field, but a loose carry from Sauaso Sue handed possession back. Fortunately for him, his side would make amends and work the ball back into a threatening position, where a late hit from Thompson allowed them to take two points through Lewis and shorten the deficit to one score.

However, with near enough the next possession, the Warriors would find themselves back in a good position as French weaved his way through before stabbing a kick towards the posts, where the Robins would be forced to concede a goal-line dropout. Lewis would then have a couple of minutes to forget, first slipping as he kicked the ball out before making a tip tackle on Farrell, allowing Keighran to kick and restore the Warriors’ seven point lead.

With 15 minutes to go, the Warriors looked to put an end to the Final. Field used his electric pace to run around the Robins’ right edge, playing the ball back inside to Wardle past Evalds. The centre dived for the corner and looked to have scored, but the ball had come free under the tackle of Hall from behind.

Two scores down, time was running out for the Robins and a combination of errors and chance taking was costing them dearly, with possession given to the Warriors three times on the bounce in opposition territory. Peet’s experienced side were managing the clock well running down each and every set, with Smith kicking for touch with four minutes to go to the tune of the Wigan supporters.

With perhaps one last opportunity to salvage the game, Jez Litten carried towards the Warriors right edge as he desperately offloaded behind. Field had spotted the danger and won possession back on the final tackle, which the Warriors in the Stretford End would cheer as though a try was scored in front of them.

The Robins’ final set again fell short, as the tremendous Wigan defence celebrated making history in front of their supporters as the first side to win every trophy on offer in a calendar year.

Wigan Warriors: Jai Field, Abbas Miski, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Kruise Leeming, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis.

Interchange: Liam Byrne, Patrick Mago, Tyler Dupree, Tom Forber.

18th Player: Sam Walters.

Tries: French (24′)

Goals: Keighran (1/1)

Drop goal: Smith (39′)

Hull KR: Niall Evalds, Joe Burgess, Peta Hiku, Jack Broadbent, Ryan Hall, Tyrone May, Mikey Lewis, Sauaso Sue, Matt Parcell, Jai Whitbread, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella.

Interchange: Jez Litten, Sam Luckley, Matty Storton, Kelepi Tanginoa.

18th Player: Jack Brown.

Goals: Lewis (1/1)

Attendance: 68,173

Referee: Chris Kendall.

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/10/ ... and-final/

Been watching the bits already on Wigantv and see Matty looking forward to the 3 day party helping to make up for not having a good one after Wembley.
At the same time I can see that Kris Radlinski has been having a good time for more than 3 days, more a front rower than a full back these days.

Wigan Warriors captain Liam Farrell makes Grand Final admission after 'sweetest' victory

Veteran captain, 34, feared missing historic Old Trafford date with Hull KR after 'virus' sidelined him for semi-final

Victorious skipper Liam Farrell revealed he feared missing Wigan’s Grand Final glory before hailing it the “sweetest” yet.

The veteran England second-row had been sidelined for over two weeks by what he described as a “virus.” But he returned to captain his hometown club to yet another trophy in Saturday’s title decider against Hull KR. Farrell, 34, duly also became the first player in the summer era to lead a side to the quadruple in one season.

It was his sixth Grand Final win for Wigan and he said: “They all have their own stories but this year is probably just a little bit extra special just because we’ve won all four trophies. I didn’t think it [quadruple] was achievable anymore, just the way the game is, how competitive the teams are now and being a salary cap sport.

“But as the year’s gone on, we knocked off one trophy, two trophies and it just became a bit more realistic. It’s very sweet to win all four. And this has got to be number one - to win everything.”

But Farrell, who has played almost 400 games since debuting for Wigan in 2010, admitted having doubts about being fit. He said: “Very much so. Monday, Tuesday I didn’t think I’d be playing. I got the all-clear from the doctors Wednesday. It was a massive relief for myself just to be part of this very special team and an honour to lead the team out in a Grand Final. But there was a bit of doubt.”

Farrell insists Wigan wanted to defend their World Club Challenge against NRL premiers Penrith in 2025 even if it unlikely given both clubs are playing in Las Vegas on March 1. He said: “If there’s a way of doing it we’d definitely be up for it.”

Farrell maintains he doesn’t think much-heralded Penrith are running scared after losing to Wigan and St Helens in the last two years. He said: “I don’t think so. I think they’re just looking at their calendar year and how many games they have got to play and looking after player welfare. I think that’s the most important thing. They have players playing in internationals at the end of the year and turning around to try and play a World Club Challenge as well as a game in Las Vegas it might be a bit too much.”

And having witnessed Bevan French's stunning try - one of the greatest in Grand Final history - Farrell was asked if he's the best player he'd ever played with. He replied: "It's a difficult one to answer because I’ve played with a lot of good ones but in terms of skill and what he does on the ball I’d say he is.

"The try tonight was pretty special but we see him do things like that in training all the time. For him to do in such a game and in a game of such a magnitude is unbelievable. He shows what he’s worth to the club and us as players. The thing with Bevan is he does all the special things but is willing to kick-chase, willing to defend and do all the small things as well. With that X-factor as well you know you’ve got a very special player."

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-le ... s-33880424

Wigan Warriors captain Liam Farrell makes Grand Final admission after 'sweetest' victory

Veteran captain, 34, feared missing historic Old Trafford date with Hull KR after 'virus' sidelined him for semi-final

Victorious skipper Liam Farrell revealed he feared missing Wigan’s Grand Final glory before hailing it the “sweetest” yet.

The veteran England second-row had been sidelined for over two weeks by what he described as a “virus.” But he returned to captain his hometown club to yet another trophy in Saturday’s title decider against Hull KR. Farrell, 34, duly also became the first player in the summer era to lead a side to the quadruple in one season.

It was his sixth Grand Final win for Wigan and he said: “They all have their own stories but this year is probably just a little bit extra special just because we’ve won all four trophies. I didn’t think it [quadruple] was achievable anymore, just the way the game is, how competitive the teams are now and being a salary cap sport.

“But as the year’s gone on, we knocked off one trophy, two trophies and it just became a bit more realistic. It’s very sweet to win all four. And this has got to be number one - to win everything.”

But Farrell, who has played almost 400 games since debuting for Wigan in 2010, admitted having doubts about being fit. He said: “Very much so. Monday, Tuesday I didn’t think I’d be playing. I got the all-clear from the doctors Wednesday. It was a massive relief for myself just to be part of this very special team and an honour to lead the team out in a Grand Final. But there was a bit of doubt.”

Farrell insists Wigan wanted to defend their World Club Challenge against NRL premiers Penrith in 2025 even if it unlikely given both clubs are playing in Las Vegas on March 1. He said: “If there’s a way of doing it we’d definitely be up for it.”

Farrell maintains he doesn’t think much-heralded Penrith are running scared after losing to Wigan and St Helens in the last two years. He said: “I don’t think so. I think they’re just looking at their calendar year and how many games they have got to play and looking after player welfare. I think that’s the most important thing. They have players playing in internationals at the end of the year and turning around to try and play a World Club Challenge as well as a game in Las Vegas it might be a bit too much.”

And having witnessed Bevan French's stunning try - one of the greatest in Grand Final history - Farrell was asked if he's the best player he'd ever played with. He replied: "It's a difficult one to answer because I’ve played with a lot of good ones but in terms of skill and what he does on the ball I’d say he is.

"The try tonight was pretty special but we see him do things like that in training all the time. For him to do in such a game and in a game of such a magnitude is unbelievable. He shows what he’s worth to the club and us as players. The thing with Bevan is he does all the special things but is willing to kick-chase, willing to defend and do all the small things as well. With that X-factor as well you know you’ve got a very special player."

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-le ... s-33880424

How Matt Peet's Wigan conquered the rugby league world in 66 games

In less than three seasons as head coach, Matt Peet has won the Grand Final, Challenge Cup, League Leaders' Shield and World Club Challenge. So, just how did the Wigan native do it?

Peet's meteoric rise: How did he make it to the top?

Barely three seasons in charge at Wigan Warriors, and the four trophies on offer for Matt Peet have been won.

To put into context, it is like winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup Final in fewer than three seasons at one club. That is a feat only completed by Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, and Jurgen Klopp.

Peet's rise to the top of the sport was very much an unconventional one, with the Wigan head coach having never played professional rugby league.

While experience on the pitch is often seen as a key tenet for head coaches across sport, Peet is the newest example that game knowledge and player management can be built from more than having played the sport at the highest level.

To understand the 39-year-old's coaching career is to understand his connection to the town he grew up in.

A born-and-bred Wigan lad, Peet was raised in a family which had an obsession with Wigan Warriors and was raised to idolise the teams he watched at Central Park.

Coming from a northern rugby league town, Peet played the sport at amateur level, but once he realised a professional contract was not on the cards, he turned his attention elsewhere.

After completing an English degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, Peet began his coaching ascent.

Volunteer work at his local club Westhoughton Lions turned into helping with Wigan's reserve side 13 years ago.

His hard work and passion for the job saw Peet move up the ranks at the Warriors, becoming the head of youth and, after a short move to rugby union with Sale Sharks as their head of performance, Peet returned to his boyhood club as assistant coach.

Four years later, he was at the golden gate: He was offered the job of head coach of Wigan Warriors...

The rookie year: One trophy down, three to go!

If you speak to most new head coaches, if they could secure one thing in their first season in charge, it would be a trophy and Peet got just that.

Although his side were knocked out in the semi-finals on their hunt for a Grand Final win, rivals St Helens eventually taking the spoils against Leeds Rhinos, Peet had joy in the summer as his side lifted the Challenge Cup.

With the Challenge Cup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a one-off, Peet's side sealed victory with a last-gasp try from Liam Marshall, crossing in the 77th minute to beat Huddersfield Giants 16-14.

As a child, Peet was one of the thousands from the town who would make what was then the annual pilgrimage to Wembley at a time when Wigan lifted the Challenge Cup for an unprecedented eight years running.

The 20-14 victory over Widnes in 1993 and Martin Offiah's iconic length-of-the-field try as Wigan overcame Leeds 26-16 the following year are the memories which stood out in particular for Peet, not to mention the post-match celebrations on the bus home.

Now, Peet got to experience those celebrations in the changing rooms, with his players, as a Challenge Cup-winning head coach...

'sophmore season': One to remember as Wigan claim Grand Final glory

Peet's second year in charge of Wigan proved even more profitable than the first, 24 wins and just eight losses across the Super League season proving why his side were becoming the team people needed and wanted to beat.

Wigan clinched the League Leaders' Shield on the final day of the regular season, beating out Catalans Dragons and St Helens on point difference to add the second tick to Peet's trophy list.

Then, the big moment arrived: A shot for glory at the big dance at Old Trafford.

It was Wigan's first chance to claim the trophy since 2018 and Peet's side made it count, with a Marshall try and two Harry Smith penalties clinching a 10-2 victory over the Dragons.

"It feels good and it's been a long time coming. Myself and Rads [chief executive Kris Radlinski] started talking about what we wanted to achieve over the next few years a couple of years ago, and we're building," Peet said after the match.

"We've got a special group of players, a special club from top to bottom, and I'm proud of everyone in the environment."

Peet had reached the summit of Super League and with that, he earned the chance to play the best from the other side of the world...

ON TOP OF THE WORLD: The World Club Challenge

The World Club Challenge sees the champions of the Super League take on the NRL victors to be crowned champions of world rugby league.

Think of it as the Champions League of rugby league, the best of one country's competition facing off against the best of another. It is Manchester City vs Inter Milan. It is Liverpool vs Real Madrid. It is Bayern Munich vs Paris Saint-Germain.

Penrith Panthers, NRL champions for the past three seasons running, travelled over to face Peet's Wigan.

Australia's best side came over hungry for a win after losing to St Helens by a dramatic golden-point drop-goal in their own backyard.

So, Peet's outfit were facing a formidable side with a point to prove.

On Saturday February 24, Wigan Warriors held off the Panthers for a 16-12 win and to officially put themselves on top of the world.

Peet's side showed some incredible fortitiude in defence as of the 29 minutes and 52 seconds Penrith had the ball in the match, nearly 17 minutes of that was spent in Wigan's territory.

Did the match have controversial moments? Undoubtedly. Was the match decided by them? No.

Wigan earned the right to call themselves world champions with the sheer effort they showed and Peet ticked the final box on his trophy list, just 66 games into his tenure.

"It is a huge boost for Super League and for English rugby league, but for this club, they're probably right at the top of the pile for what they do on and off the field," said Sky Sports Rugby League pundit and Wigan legend Sam Tomkins.

"We saw a classic Wigan Warriors DNA game - they're a tough team."

So, what is the Wigan Warriors DNA?

Farrell: He is the reason we are where we are

The respect for Peet within the Wigan club is unrivalled and nothing shows how pivotal he is to the side's success than what their captain had to say after their Grand Final triumph last year.

"He was praising everyone around him - the owner, the players, his staff members - but well and truly, he leads by example," Farrell said. "He is a leader at the top and everyone follows him.

"He makes tough calls when they're needed, he puts the game plan into place. He does all those one-percenters, all those extra efforts, and it is the reason we are where we are.

"It is the reason we won the Challenge Cup, it's the reason we won the League Leaders' Shield and it's the reason now we're sitting here as Super League champions. He is a leader in every sense."

Carney: Peet's support of Marshall shows Wigan culture

There is many an anecdote about Peet and his involvement with the community and care for his players, but in the week of the World Club Challenge, there was another shining example.

Marshall, a player Peet has coached since his academy days, recently lost his mother and in the week of the match, Peet and the whole squad attended the funeral.

"I was told in the week, sadly Liam Marshall, the Wigan winger's mother Debbie passed away and she was buried on Sunday," Brian Carney said on Sky Sports' Super League coverage.

"The Wigan squad were there entirely and brought together by Matt Peet.

"He gathered them together outside the church afterwards, discretely, and said, 'Boys, we have got a big week ahead of us but we will do nothing this week that will match what we have done for a team-mate of ours'.

"It is an insight into Matt Peet.

"You have got a group of players at Wigan that will do anything for their coach."

Matt Peet's Wigan: Key stats

Super League: 58 matches, 41 wins, 17 losses

Challenge Cup: Seven matches, Six wins, one loss, Champions 2022

World Club Challenge:

Wigan Warriors. Penrith Panthers
Tries
3. 2
Conversions
2. 2
Possession %
47. 53
Gainline metres
1,020. 1,623
Line breaks
2. 3
Set completion %
86. 73
Effective tackle %
84.26. 91.14
Errors
6. 10
Penalties against
4. 5

Winning all four trophies on offer once is sensational. What Matt Peet does from here is what becomes the stuff of legend....

https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/ ... e-seasonsT

Leigh Leopards’ Derek Beaumont makes ‘snake killing its prey’ comment as he pinpoints what makes Wigan Warriors special

Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has likened Wigan Warriors to a ‘snake killing its prey’ after their Grand Final win on Saturday evening.

The Leopards enjoyed a fine second half of the Super League season and set up a semi-final clash Wigan Warriors earlier this month. However, their hopes of reaching the Grand Final were ended in emphatic fashion as Wigan recorded a 38-0 victory over the Leopards.

That was the fourth time Leigh had lost against Wigan last season and Beaumont has opened up on what he believes makes Wigan so good.

Speaking to Super League Raw, Beaumont said, with reference to his side’s play-off defeat: “I think if you analyse what’s so good about Wigan, you take their best player out and the next best in ain’t far from it. The difference between the best performance and the worst performance, there ain’t that much between it.”

He continued: “The strength and the depth and the quality that they’ve got all the way through is absolutely massive and they can just grind teams out. I likened it to a snake killing its prey. I’ve watched it happen. It’s boring.

“You sit there and it just doesn’t move. It just squeezes the life out of something and sticks to its process and knows that in the end that will achieve what it wants to do.

What Wigan have got for me is on top of that, they’ve got the X-factor. In Bevan French in particular, he can just turn it on a sixpence.

“That game against us, he runs into a dead end, he’s looking around wondering what to do. I’m telling you, nine out of 10 half-backs are just going down and think let’s reset.

“He just thinks ‘I’ll do it myself then’, and dives in and gives you a superman and a laugh at you, that’s the big difference and that’s what we’ve got to try and match up. I think Chez (Chris Chester) has done a good job on recruiting this year and it will give us a better chance once we blend that squad.”

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/leigh-le ... ial-98255/