‘There’s so much to like about them’ Matt Peet highlights Catalans threats ahead of Magic

Wigan coach Matt Peet has expressed his admiration for Catalans ahead of their Magic Weekend clash, saying there is ‘so much to like’ about Steve McNamara’s side.

The second-placed Warriors face the third-placed Dragons at St James’ Park in Newcastle on Saturday, 3:45pm kick-off.

Speaking in his weekly press conference, Peet says he knows just how much of a threat the Dragons will pose to his side this weekend.

Peet said: “I’d say there’s an excitement around the fixture. We go over the night before so that’s always fun.

“I think all of our games recently seem really exciting but this one has a good feel about it, big match feel and it’s obviously a massive test in Catalans.

“I think they are a really well balanced team with big, powerful forwards and an experienced, intelligent spine and their outside-backs are particularly powerful as well in (Tom) Johnstone and (Matt) Ikuvalu.

“There’s so much to like about them, they’ve got a lot of threat and they are an outstanding team.”

Matt Peet on what has impressed him most about Catalans this season

Peet admitted that he thought Catalans would start the season slowly due to having so many players involved in the end of year World Cup last autumn – but it has been quite the opposite, with the Dragons winning their first five games of the campaign.

McNamara’s side currently sit third in the Super League table, having won nine from 13 games in Super League so far in 2023.

Peet added: “They have a fantastic squad. They can attract strong NRL players and can attract (the likes of) Tom Johnstone and Sam Tomkins, they get some of the cream of talent out of Super League as well and now they are blooding their own youngsters who are more than competitive.

“I actually thought they might have had a slow start to the season because of the World Cup and they picked up a few knocks, but I think it was that start to the year that really impressed me.

“Some weeks they were primarily a French team and those young lads have added a layer of depth to what is a really experienced, star-studded team.”

Peet thanked the Wigan fans for their support so far this season, and hopes to see many of them in the north east this weekend.

He said: “I would encourage all our fans if they can – if time and finances are available – it (their support) doesn’t go unnoticed.

“There’s a chance Catalans won’t bring a great deal of fans so I wouldn’t be surprised if the rest of the stadium is against us so hopefully our fans will embrace it and get behind the team as they regularly do.”

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