Wigan’s unbeaten start to the season came to a screeching halt tonight as they lost 28-0 in the south of France.
It was all too similar for the Warriors to their last trip to Catalans. In 2021, their unbeaten start to the campaign was ended by the Dragons 48-0 and tonight the Warriors were again kept scoreless.
So, it’s safe to say coach Matt Peet wasn’t entirely pleased with his side’s performance.
“I think we were given a lesson in how to play wet weather rugby by Catalans,” Peet said after the game, “We were in double figures for errors and we didn’t kick well.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t show the best of us.
“We didn’t give ourselves a chance. We made too many errors early in the game and Catalans are too good of a team and if they get to your line consistently they’ll score points.
“It’s quite simple to identify where we were off.”
Of course, the game was Wigan’s second in a week in France having stayed the week following a narrow win over Toulouse 29-28. That was less than convincing and ultimately that added to the defeat tonight left Peet feeling like his side could do better: “We’ve not been good enough over the two games and it’s highlighted where we’re at as a group and it’s important we stick together and work head and attack the next stage of the season.
“Obviously the trip as a whole we’ve not performed well enough.”
The game, as it did last year, descended into a bit ill-discipline late on with Kaide Ellis and Jordan Dezaria trading punches and receiving red cards.
Peet gave his thoughts on the incident: “I’m particularly disappointed with that. He knows and all our players know that won’t be accepted. I don’t like it. That won’t be tolerated.”
Wigan don’t have long to recover with a trip back to England and a game against Castleford Tigers at the DW Stadium come Thursday night.
Earlier this week Brett Hodgson bemoaned short turnarounds as it resulted in his Hull FC side picking up a number of injuries against Leeds Rhinos.
When asked on his thoughts about these short turnarounds, Peet said: “We take it in our stride because that’s the hand we’re dealt, it’s equal I guess. It puts a lot of stress on squads and players.
“We all know where we stand when the fixtures come out. It’s up to us to get our squad fit for the challenge.
“I’m not saying that it’s ideal in terms of player welfare but we’re aware of it.”
