Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet eager to deliver more silverware to outgoing owner Ian Lenagan: ‘It would be fitting’
Wigan Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan lifting the Challenge Cup in 2022
Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet says it would be fitting to departing owner and chairman Ian Lenagan if they were to reach at least one more major final.
Lenagan, 77, announced over the weekend that he will step down from his roles at the end of the season, which will bring the curtain down on his 16-year association with the club.
The Warriors face Hull KR in the Challenge Cup semi-finals at Headingley on Sunday for a place in the final at Wembley.
Peet said: “I think everyone understands how much he has committed to the club, financially obviously, but in terms of emotion and dedication of his life and his family’s life.
“It would be fitting if we could get him to at least one more final.
“We’ll take this opportunity this week to try and do it, but we’re up against another proud club with plenty of motivation of their own.”
Matt Peet pays tribute to outgoing Wigan Warriors owner Ian Lenagan: ‘One of the greatest leaders in the history of the club’
Wigan have won four Super League titles, three League Leaders’ Shields, three Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge since Lenagan took over the Warriors from Dave Whelan in 2007.
Peet has been part of the Wigan history for almost 15 years, both as an academy player and in a number of coaching roles.
The 39-year-old took over head coaching duties at his hometown club following Adrian Lam’s departure in October 2021.
Paying tribute to Lenagan, Peet said: “I think it’s where picked the club up and on and off the field, where the club was at and where he’ll leave them.
“Everything that’s gone on between will be the biggest indication and history will remember Ian Lenagan as one of the greatest leaders in the history of the club, and rightly so.
“The influence he’s had on the education in the town, community, the engagement and obviously on the field.
“He’s also made his mark on the game as a whole. Internally, we always make decisions which are best for Wigan, but he always has the bigger picture in mind of what’s best for the game.”
Peet says his side need to produce their best performance of the season this weekend if they are to reach Wembley.
Wigan lost 27-18 to Hull KR in the opening game of the season whilst they won 26-22 in golden point in May – both at Craven Park.
Peet added: “They’ve outplayed us twice so it’s obvious anything less than our best performance of the season and we’ll not be in the final.”
The Challenge Cup semi-final takes place on Sunday afternoon at Headingley, 5pm kick-off.