Matt Peet – ‘I think we will look back on this team as a special team’

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet says people will look back at ‘a special team’ after his sides Grand Final win.

Wigan won their sixth Super League title last night after defeating Catalans Dragons 10-2 in a tight contest.

It was a victory that ended a painful five year wait for the club, because that period was dominated by their rivals St. Helens. The Warriors also won the league leaders shield three weeks ago to complete a clean sweep in the competition.

Peet was asked what the future held for his team and if he thought they could push on to have their own era of dominance, he responded by saying:

“You always want to build on success, but I want to reflect on this group, the players and the staff.

“I think we will look back on this team as a special team. So whatever happens now – who knows, but I’ve got to enjoy being with this group.”

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The final was a tough affair for both sides, defences were definitely on top and it showed with the score line of 2-2 at halftime.

However, whatever Peet said to his players during the break must’ve worked, as they pushed up through the gears in the second half and were able to score the games only try. They looked the more composed and they had more rhythm, which was the deciding factor in the end.

Peet claimed he only stressed one messaged to his players:

“Tonight came back to us focusing on what our message has been over the past few months, and that’s just trusting each other.

“Most teams have good game plans, systems and structures, so yeah, it comes back to the connection between the group, the trust and the never say die attitude.

“I’m proud, but I’m not surprised. They trust each other, and us coaching staff trust them, and they continuously pay us back for that.”

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Wigan can now celebrate their title during the offseason, however, not for too long. Coming up for the Cherry and Whites when the 2024 season gets underway will be the World Club Challenge.

St. Helens travelled to Penrith Panthers in Australia earlier this year, bringing back the honours for the England. Now Wigan will have the opportunity to play in possibly the game’s biggest match. Peet added:

“I’m looking forward to it, it will be an honour. It’s exciting thing for next year and the future, this club has a great history to play in that competition and it’s where we should be.

“When you start in coaching you’re just wanting to do the best job you can. I think if there’s anything I’ve learnt it’s to keep your head down, look after the team and take pride in it. That’s led me here and I’m happy with it.”

Looking at the way the 2023 Super League season went, Wigan will have a large chasing pack after them in 2024. Will they be able to keep the title? Only time will tell.