Matt Peet lifts lid on running joke with Bevan French after Wigan Warriors’ huge win

Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has let fans in on the running joke that he has with Bevan French after the club’s 38-0 win over Leigh Leopards.

Peet’s side won comfortably in the end despite his admission that he was expecting a game separated by a margin of just two points, but Wigan Warriors would suffocate Leigh from the offset with their third try just before half time looking to be the one that killed the Leopards off.

Both Liam Marshall and late replacement Sam Walters scored two whilst the dynamic duo of Bevan French and Jai Field scored one apiece with both being brilliant finishes, however, it was French’s score that has caught the attention with the reigning Man of Steel reminding everyone that he is still the best player in Super League.

“Unbelievable. That’s why he’s special,” was Peet’s reaction to the score when he spoke live on BBC Two after the match.

French carried the ball to the right edge and with seemingly no options available circled back around before prodding a kick through which he would then collect before evading Zak Hardaker’s covering tackle and diving over to make it 32-0 and cement Wigan’s spot at Old Trafford.

Wigan Warriors’ running joke about Bevan French

It was a try that will certainly be played on highlight reels for years to come and Peet argued that the Australian’s talent is one of the reasons why fans are willing to attend, with over 20,000 in the crowd for Saturday night’s game.

The Wigan Warriors boss explained: “He’s an unbelievable talent and an outstanding player and when he works hard at his game like he is doing then he’s a pleasure to coach and that’s why people want to come and watch.

“Coaches can take no credit there whatsoever. The only job of the coach there is not getting in the way and taking it away from him.”

Peet would even joke that he and the staff have a running joke whereby they’ll send a message on simply telling French to score, such is the nature of his ability to turn nothing into points.

“I have sent a message on (before) saying, ‘Tell Bevan to score here’. It’s a running joke,” Peet confirmed.

“It’s just instinct, growing up playing touch and it’s him knowing that his teammates want him to back himself. Like I said, the important thing for us as a club and a group is that we don’t suppress his instincts and he shows what he can do.

He was also keen to praise the defensive efforts of the Australian though, claiming that is what sets him apart, stating: “That’s what separates him from all the talented players.

“I think every team has got someone who can produce glimpses of magic, but the more he invests in the other areas of the game, the kick chases and repeat efforts, he’ll earn himself more chances to show what he can do.

“I had a word with him at half time about some actions of his D but he was outstanding tonight.”