Wigan duo keen to build on culture formed in 2022

Matt Peet and Liam Farrell are hoping for more of the same with a slightly different ending after a strong 2022 for Wigan Warriors.

A Challenge Cup final victory set Wigan up for what looked like an unbelievable first season under Matt Peet in his first year as a coach, but a disappointing Play-Off Semi-Final loss meant Peet’s side had to settle for just the one piece of silverware.

With last term heavily focussed on a shift of culture within the club after a disjointed few years previous between the club and the fans and community, Peet is looking for more of the same this year.

Peet said: “It’ll be the same approach as last year and culture first, always. Relationship – first, environment-first, learning – first. We’ll work on the rugby after that.

“I think post-Covid there was a slight disconnect between the fans and the players, so it was important we invested time and effort into that to improve it and we’ll continue to do that.

“The owners are very innovative when it comes to creating events for the fans and our community department do a great job and the fact we’re all joined together as a club means we can be better for the community.”

And recently appointed club captain Liam Farrell echoed what his coached had to say whilst also looking on how to improve on his 14^th season in Super League.

“We was successful last year but that wasn’t just on the field, we were successful off it too. The group all got along and enjoyed each other’s company and in terms of the fans, it’s the best I’ve seen the place for a long time.

“If we can continue that then I’m sure it will be a successful season for us.

“It’s been a good pre-season for us as a team and me personally and I’m feeling good. We was disappointed with the way last year ended but when we looked back over what we achieved, we knew we’d had a good season with something to build on.

“Personally, I just want to lead by example week in, week out and ensure performances are to a good standard. I like to make sure the young lads can follow and as a team we probably need to fix up some defensive errors because our attacking play was probably the best in the competition last year by numbers.”

With Peet now firmly at the helm at the D.W., the Warriors will be more detemrined than ever to stop arch rivals Saints who are driving for five and bring some more silverware back to Wigan in 2023.

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