“He’s responded exceptionally well” – Wigan boss full of praise for dropped playmaker 

Wigan head coach Matt Peet says he has been impressed by Cade Cust’s reaction to recently being dropped from the the side’s starting 13. 

The Australian playmaker made his recovery and reported to full training earlier in April after Peet revealed that the 24-year-old had been suffering with a neck injury ahead of the Round Seven Battle of the Borough clash with Leigh.

He later made his return to action against Leeds at the DW Stadium from the bench, but did not feature in the following Challenge Cup victory over the Rhinos or the Super League golden point extra time win against Hull KR. 

Peet has instead opted to select Ryan Hampshire in the halves alongside England international Harry Smith in recent weeks, with Joe Shorrocks moving back to the pack. 

But despite his recent drop from the match day squad, Peet says he is proud of how Cust has reacted to the selection calls. 

Cade Cust will get another crack says Peet

The Wigan boss told Love Rugby League: “I’d say he’s responded exceptionally well, not just in how he’s trained and looked after himself physically, but how he’s been around the group, how he’s warming up with the team on match days. He’s brought an intensity. 

“I’m really proud of the way he’s handled himself and when he does get another crack, which he will at some point, he’s going to have earned it and that’s what we expect here. 

“When you’re in the team or if you’re not, you put the team first and you add to the environment and Cade Cust has certainly done that.

“I’d add Iain Thornley to that as well. 

“He had a couple of good performances for us after a long injury and then came out but he’s been a credit.”

Jake Wardle enjoying fine start to Wigan career

A man enjoying fine form in his debut season with the Warriors is centre Jake Wardle, who recently won his second cap with England during the mid-season clash against France. 

Wardle has been ever-present for Wigan in their 2023 Super League campaign, scoring four tries along the way, while the centre also crossed for a four-pointer in the Challenge Cup 18-14 win at Headingley Stadium live on BBC.

“He’s doing exactly what we hoped he would from watching him over the years,” Peet said.

“With getting a firmer track, he’s getting a chance to show what he can do with his footwork and speed but even in the tough games when the weather weren’t great, I was so impressed with his physicality and he’s a joy to work with.”

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