Wigan coach Matt Peet: We as a group are hurting
Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Wigan coach Matt Peet says his side’s 42-12 defeat at Leeds left them hurting and that the result will be defined by how they respond.
The Warriors had a chance to move to within two points of leaders St Helens, but were a shadow of the team that beat Hull 60-0 just six days earlier.
England prop Mike Cooper made his debut for Wigan following his immediate move from Warrington. Patrick Mago was a late withdrawal through illness.
Super League’s leading try scorer Bevan French went over for his 21st try of the season, but Peet couldn’t hide his disappointed after the full-time hooter.
He said: “It was a really good night for Leeds and a bad one for us.
“The group is hurting. They understand it was a below-par performance, probably the first one of the season where it’s tough to take. We’re really disappointed.”
Matt Peet: Credit has to go to Leeds
He added: “They beat us to the punch and played with loads of desire and full of energy. Once they started in the fashion they did, the crowd got behind them.
“Some individuals dipped below their personal standards. The result will be defined by how we respond. There is a lot of trust and honesty and it will be interesting to see what happens next.
“We won’t brush over it but at the same time we won’t over-react.”
The Warriors will look to bounce back next Thursday when they welcome Hull KR to the DW Stadium. Samoa World Cup hopeful Mago should be back to face the Robins.
Wigan, who won the Challenge Cup earlier this year, remain second in the Super League table, four points behind leaders St Helens.
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