Wigan Warriors’ Jake Bibby impressed by the cultural mentality installed at the DW Stadium

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Wigan Warriors’ Jake Bibby could not give Coach Matty Peet and his staff enough praise for the cultural mentality that has been created over the past weeks during pre-season.

After Wigan bowed out of last season’s play-offs in a disappointing defeat at home to Leeds Rhinos in the eliminator fixture, the Warriors decided to part ways with Adrian Lam and put Peet in charge whilst also bringing in a new coaching set-up.

Bibby and the rest of the playing squad have been impressed with the changes and how quickly things have adjusted.

“No one’s really batted an eye-lid. There’s been no hiccups or changes and there’s nothing that I’m worried about. Matty [Peet] was already around and Lee [Briers] has fitted straight in.

“With Waney [Shaun Wane] coming back, he obviously knows the club and they’re trying to build up a culture of home-grown talent and everyone has a togetherness and the right mentality.”

The return of Shaun Wane has been quite a highly anticipated one across the Rugby League community after he was the last Coach to win a Grand Final for the Warriors. This may see a number of Wigan players given an opportunity to feature for England with the World Cup fast approaching.

After playing every game for the club last season, Bibby was full of praise for the England coach since the move.

“Shaun [Wane] has been interesting but he’s just been watching. I’m not sure what it’s like on the coaching side of things but it’s Shaun Wane isn’t it, he speaks for himself.

“He’s the England Coach and it’s always good to have the England Coach watching you everyday.

After a lacklustre end to last season, Coach Matty Peet will be keen to start the 2022 Super League season on the right foot and ensure the Warriors start the campaign positively.

Bibby knows what is expected of the cherry and whites from the beginning of the season and is hopeful ahead of the new campaign.

“We’re wanting to have a ‘start-fast mentality’ and we need to use that by winning our first few games which are going to be hard games as Hull Kingston Rovers and Leeds Rhinos have made some good signings.

“We’re working hard in pre-season to make sure we’re ready to start fast and hopefully it we can prove it.”

Since his move to Wigan in 2020, the 25-year-old has developed a lot and feels like it is a big campaign for him personally and the club.

“We’re building for the future and it’s not just all about rugby, it’s about Wigan and the players. The coaching staff have really bought into that and hopefully it shows on the pitch too. We’re a confident bunch so we’ll put last year behind us and focus on this year going forward.

“It’s a big club isn’t it. The way I went through my career, I never thought I’d play for Wigan with the quality in the side, and now being here and learning more about the culture is eye-opening really.

“All my values are the same as the club’s. So for any young Wigan lad, it should be the same. I think the more home-grown talent that comes to this club, the more successful we will be.”

With Wigan’s first game being a tough trip to Hull KR on February 11th, Bibby will be keen to pick up the form he finished with last season and ensure the Warriors have a successful start to what they hope to be a memorable season for the club overall.

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