Wigan Warriors’ Matt Peet speaks about “future of the game” concerns amid RFL changes

[josie andrews]

Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has spoken on the future of the game and his concerns for it amidst the ongoing changes at the RFL.

The Rugby Football League have seen chairman Simon Johnson resign with several other leading figures departing whilst Nigel Wood has been appointed as the interim chair, tasked with overseeing a Strategic Review of the sport.

That was described by Sky Sports’ Brian Carney as ‘essentially a coup’ with the former Super League man forecasting some major changes in the coming months with all of this off-field upheaval.

Speaking on Friday night, he said: “If jaws were on the floor in the last two or three weeks, what is coming down the line is going to knock that into a cocked hat.”

Carney has now asked Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet for his opinion on the “tumultuous” state of the game with Peet offering a brilliant perspective, whilst also noting serious concern for the future of the game.

Wigan Warriors’ Matt Peet speaks about “future of the game” concerns amid RFL changes

Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Leeds Rhinos at Headingley, Peet spoke with passion and eloquence in a manner that makes you think he should be the man chairing the RFL and not just coaching Wigan Warriors.

On concerns for the future, the Wigan boss said: “I don’t think this generation of players will be thinking about it right now but you’ve got to be concerned about Jack Farrimond and the future of the game.

“I think that is where we need to place our focus. Too much time is being spent about individual agendas at each club.”

Some of those at Super League clubs have been very outspoken on matters, including St Helens’ Eamonn McManus who took aim in a scathing statement released on Friday afternoon.

For Peet, the sport needs unity as opposed to division as he explained “I think we’re very good as a sport at coming together when people are in a bad time or for charities but I think we should come together and sort out our sport.”

How should the RFL Strategic Review be overseen, per Matt Peet

Whilst some have been incredibly for the Strategic Review and others have been very skeptical, Peet offered a more neutral view and saw it as an opportunity to save the sport meaning it must be taken with both hands.

He said: “We should commit and imagine if it disappears, what would we do now that we’ve got this chance (to save it)?

“We’ve got so much intelligence and experience in all the board rooms. Just get in a room for two days and come out with a vision that is rooted in working-class ethics but is ambitious and we’ll all get behind it and do as we’re told.”

Asked if that means it must be a decision done behind closed doors, he agreed: “Don’t worry about winning points and getting your side of the story out. When you have a meeting, take pride in not everyone finding out what was said.

“All that matters is the vision that comes out of it and there’s a lot of people in this sport who want leadership and will follow guidance whether it suits them in the short term or not – as long as we can keep our sport growing with some vision and excitement.”

To speak with such clarity and incisiveness just 20 minutes before his side went into a game showcase exactly why Matt Peet is one of the best leaders in this sport.


https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/wigan-wa ... es-102765/