Matt Peet right man to take Wigan forward, insists Shaun Wane

Correspondent
Wigan coach Matt Peet

Photo courtesy of Paul Currie

Matt Peet is the right man for the Wigan head coaching job, says former Warriors boss Shaun Wane.

Peet has been promoted from his role of assistant to succeed Australian Adrian Lam on a two-year contract, with an option for a third season. At 37, he becomes the youngest head coach in Super League but will be able to call on Wane, who returns to Wigan in an administrative role while continuing as England head coach.Peet’s assistants will be former captain Sean O’Loughlin and ex-Warrington player and assistant coach Lee Briers.Matt Peet has spent more than a decade at his hometown club, working in a range of coaching positions with the academy, reserves and now first team, all under the watchful eye of Wane.

Matt Peet an impressive fit

On Peet, Wane said: “He’s a smart operator. He a real student of the game. I read a lot but he reads double the amount I read. He’s obsessive.

“He’s a bit off the radar but I’ve spoken to many Australian coaches and rugby union coaches and Matty is up there with the most knowledgeable sports coach I’ve seen.

“He’s very impressive. I’ve mentored him for years but I’ve learned more from him than he’s learned from me.

“He’s got two fantastic assistants in Lee and Lockers. It’s a fantastic set-up. Them three blokes will pick the team.”

Wane on juggling England and Wigan jobs

Shaun Wane, who guided Wigan to three Grand Final wins, will combine his role as England head coach with that of leadership and management director of the Warriors and insists there will be no impact on his preparations for the World Cup, which has been put back to next October.

Wane added: “It’s a good fit. I reckon I can add some value to the club and hopefully improve them.

“The RFL are okay with it. The more work the better, that’s what this lockdown has taught me. I need to keep busy. Nothing will be neglected.”

Peet was playing prop forward with Leigh reserves when he decided to hang up his boots at the age of 21 and concentrate on coaching “once I realised I wasn’t good enough to play Super League”.

He coached the England Academy for four years including a tour of Australia in 2016. At the end of 2018, Peet left his position as Warriors head of youth to join Sale Sharks as head of performance but returned to Wigan in May 2019.

Peet is grateful for the influence of Wane on his career and knows he will now be on hand for any assistance.

On Wane, Peet said: “The effect he has had on me is second to none.

“I feel this is the progression of that relationship. He will be there if I need him. He’s the perfect person for me to have at the end of the phone.

“He will hold me accountable to the culture, standards and respect which is what the club is built on.”

Super League Matt Peet