“I’m sure…” – Wigan Warriors boss has his say after St Helens defeat

For the first time since July last year, Wigan Warriors boss saw his side lose a game as the Super League and World Champions lost to their bitter rivals St Helens.

It was a titanic battle between the two sides expected to contest the Grand Final at the end of the year and at halftime there had been no tries but the Saints led 2-0 after a Mark Percival penalty.

This came before Tyler Dupree was sin binned for leading into a tackle from Matty Lees with an elbow.

In the second half, Wigan wrestled back control in Saints’ own back yard and notched the opening try of the game.

Given very little space, Bevan French dinked the ball behind the Saints defence and scored despite a scrambling effort from Jack Welsby.

Crucially, however, just minutes later Wigan were reduced to 12 men for the rest of the game, just like in their last defeat to Hull KR. Liam Byrne was sent off for head contact and with the extra space Alex Walmsley punished the Warriors.

On the back of a brilliant run by the prop, a kick to Tommy Makinson gave the Saints a 6-4 lead which was extended to 12-4 when Konrad Hurrell charged over in the last play of the game.

Matt Peet addresses Wigan Warriors defeat

After tasting defeat for the first time in eight months, Wigan Warriors boss spke to Sky Sports after the game and was asked what beat his side in the end.

Peet said: “Good team a good team. Obviously we need to learn lessons, which we will do. I like the direction we’re travelling in, we’ll have to talk about discipline but I like what we did today, just let ourselves down though.”

Asked if it was the best game of the season, Peet answered: “I don’t know, that’s for you to talk about. I thought it was intense, two good teams, can’t beat each other out all the time but that’s what you want isn’t it? I think the intensity of the game and what it means for the support from the players, it’s a place to be involved in. I’m sure this years that’s not the last we’ve seen of one another.”

He also had his say on Bevan French after his delightful try gave Wigan the lead.

“Yeah, obviously he is a very, very good player. I thought it was a brilliant moment. Those are the moments in his game that people want to watch. But yeah, Bevan’s a great player, but I’ve got to praise the excellence on both teams.”