Matt Peet’s admission despite impressive Wigan Warriors victory over rivals: ‘That’s not acceptable’ 

Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet admits his side need to improve their defence if they are to achieve their Super League goals in 2023.

Despite an impressive victory over rivals Leigh Leopards live on Channel 4, Peet bemoaned his side’s defensive efforts, conceding 18 points to the Challenge Cup finalists.

Robbie Mulhern completed the scoring with a try under the sticks on the 79th minute with the game’s result already decided, while the visitors also opened the points through fellow forward Tom Amone.

Winger Tom Briscoe securing the side’s second try, with Wigan boss Peet unimpressed with his side’s defensive performance at the DW Stadium.

The Warriors ran in eight tries in the Round 20 clash, including a hat-trick for Lebanon international Abbas Miski.

Star man and stand-off Bevan French scored twice in the opening 40, with Toby King and Liam Marshall also scoring.

Having joined the club this week from Salford Red Devils on a four-year contract, highly-rated forward Tyler Dupree marked his debut from the bench with a fine individual try in the victory.

However, Peet insists his side must improve their defence, including a ‘soft try’ in the dying stages.

Matt Peet makes Wigan Warriors defensive admission 

“We’ve got to keep improving,” Peet told Channel 4 Super League host Adam Hills following the televised victory.

“At the moment, we’re a good team. But I think to get to what we want at the end of the year, we have got some improvements to make.”

Asked what improvements by Australian presenter and comedian Hills, Peet responded: “Not conceding soft tries like that at the end.

“18 points is too many, the best teams wouldn’t let that in.

“No matter what what team we have, that’s not really acceptable.

“Bevan [French] touched on the yardage areas. I think when we get to the right area of the field, we are a threat.

“But defensively, we need to improve.”

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