Matt Peet wary of “dangerous” Leeds as Wigan boss seeks league and cup double
Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Wigan head coach Matt Peet could make it a league and cup double but admits his side face a “dangerous” Leeds in the semi-finals.
38-year-old Peet claimed the Challenge Cup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in May in his debut season in charge of the Warriors.
Now, he finds himself just 80 minutes away from Old Trafford and a shot at winning the Grand Final to make it a double in his debut season as boss.
However, first they must face in-form Leeds, who claimed a well disciplined 20-10 win over Catalans in the eliminators.
Meanwhile, current champions St Helens face Salford on Saturday in the second tie of the semi-finals.
“Salford and Leeds are probably the two form teams,” Peet said. “It’s been the Leeds that we were expecting at the start of the year.
“Most people would have had them in their top three going into the season and I was the same. I think their squad is right up there with anything in Super League.
“It’s taken them a while to find their form but now that they have done they’re very dangerous.”
Matt Peet: ‘It seems quite surreal’
Peet has been shortlisted for Super League coach of the year, while his side remain unbeaten at home in 2022.
“It seems quite surreal,” he said. “It’s all happened really fast.
“It’s exciting times and I think I’ll get time in a month or so to reflect on it but for now I’m just concentrating on having a good week’s training and preparation. I love the preparation side of it.”
Wigan will be without half-back Cade Cust due to an injury sustained in the final match of the regular season against Catalans. Meanwhile, Liam Farrell will also watch from the sidelines with a long-term injury.
However, captain Thomas Leuluai made a welcomed return from injury against the Dragons. Hooker Sam Powell is also set to return to the field and is in line to make his 250th appearance for the club.
PODCAST: Gil Dudson on Catalans red mist, winning Wigan, World Cup fears and reigniting Warrington
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast