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28 minutes ago
Seven trophies in 99 games.
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet is one short of a century of games in charge and already he has brought a history-making level of success to the club.
His fourth season at the helm, and first off the back of a stunning quadruple in 2024, begins with a Challenge Cup third-round trip to Sheffield Eagles on Friday.
From questions over his credentials when he took charge in 2022 to silencing his critics, BBC Sport takes a look at Peet’s impressive stint as another campaign gets under way.
Peet unfazed by ‘Matt who’ questions
The context in which Peet stepped into his role at Wigan is important.
St Helens were in the midst of a stunning spell of dominance and were about to embark on a campaign which would bring them a record fourth consecutive Super League title.
Peet was the replacement for Adrian Lam, who had fallen just short of interrupting Saints’ dominance himself, denied by a monumental try from Jack Welsby in the dying moments of the 2020 Super League Grand Final.
Wigan chose to appoint from within, rather than going for an eye-catching figure from Super League or the southern hemisphere.
It was a decision that raised eyebrows and caused some to question whether the club had the ability to end the Saints dynasty.
When asked by BBC Radio Manchester whether he knew that some people had asked “Matt who?” upon his appointment, Peet said: “I wasn’t too fussed. I didn’t read it or look at it.
“I’m not silly, I knew that that’s what people would be saying. This club has a very rich history and a lot of the coaches are from overseas or past players.
“I was comfortable with that. I wouldn’t say it motivated me particularly. I just thought that I was going to do the best job I could.”
Peet did not play professional rugby league but he served his coaching apprenticeship in the age-group ranks at Wigan before reaching senior level. He even worked in union with Sale for a short time, broadening his horizons.
He was ready for a job with high profile and high pressure, even if some may have questioned his credentials.
SWPixWigan take on Sheffield for the second successive season in the Challenge Cup, having beaten the Eagles 44-18 in the fourth round of the competition last term on the way to lifting the trophy at Wembley in June.
That trophy was one of seven Peet has won at the club and the second of four they lifted last season, after they kicked off their campaign with the World Club Challenge in February.
As well as the 2024 clean sweep, Wigan won the Super League and League Leaders’ Shield in 2023 under Peet’s guidance, and the Challenge Cup in the previous year.
Peet, 40, believes the fact he is from Wigan is both a blessing and a curse.
Today he is considered a homegrown hero who rose up through the ranks at Wigan to take charge of the first team, but it can be an intense life.
“I think it has its advantages and disadvantages, much like if you come over from Australia. Whatever route you take in life, there’s balances and pros and cons,” he said.
“One of the advantages is that I know the expectations of the town and the people, I know the way the fans think about rugby. They’re very intelligent and insightful fans but they have high standards.
“One of the downsides when you live in the town is there’s no respite, everyone wants to talk about rugby league all the time, including my own family over meals and family celebrations.
“Like everything, it’s about finding the balance and concentrating on the brilliant parts of the role rather than the challenges.”
Where next for Wigan Warriors?
They cannot achieve another quadruple because the World Club Challenge is not taking place this season. However, with a trip to Las Vegas to face Warrington Wolves coming up and three trophies to defend, there is plenty to fight for.
Chief executive Kris Radlinski is not worried about any lack of motivation among the Cherry and Whites’ ranks.
“I’m surrounded by really great people who are very honest with you,” Radlinski said.
“You’re allowed to make mistakes here – just don’t make them too often and you’ll get better and keep improving – and that’s the kind of place this is.
“I’m not at all bothered about the motivation of this group. The leadership of this group, the people who drive the team, are the people who keep them grounded and wanting more.
“I think they’ll go in with the same attitude and appetite for success this year as they did last year.”
