Classy Matt Peet issues praise for Hull KR and their fans as message sent to Wigan Warriors’ players

Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has revealed why he went over to applaud the Hull KR fans after his side’s Grand Final defeat.

Wigan’s two-year reign as Betfred Super League champions was brought to an emphatic end at Old Trafford tonight when they were beaten 24-6.

A year after Wigan’s domestic treble, the Robins replicated the feat by adding the Super League trophy to the Challenge Cup and league leaders’ shield already in their trophy case.

Peet made a point of clapping the victorious Robins supporters and speaking in his post-match press conference, he explained: “They are good fans, aren’t they?

“They’ve just won a competition and for me it feels like the natural thing to do. Rugby league needs supporters and fan bases like the Hull KR ones.

“It’s a great moment in their club’s history and they deserve to enjoy it. Of course I wish it was the Wigan fans tonight, but we’ve had our fair share and the next time it comes around we will probably enjoy it a little bit more because of tonight.

“You can’t knock any of the people from Hull KR; from top to bottom and all the supporters, they deserve it. They have been through a lot over not just years, but decades. They are committed and they deserve the applause.”

Matt Peet reveals what he said to Wigan Warriors group after defeat

Reflecting on the game, Peet said: “Credit to Hull KR. There’ll be things we look back on and wish we’d done differently, done better. At certain points we didn’t do what we’d have loved to have done, but you’ve got to credit Hull KR for their energy.

“I am proud of the group, but it wasn’t to be this evening. They took their opportunities better than we did. It’s a fine line between winning and losing on these evenings.”

Peet declined to blame any single incident for his team’s loss. He insisted: “I think across the 80 minutes we weren’t quite where we needed to be. Hull KR were good and they deserved it.”

The coach gathered his players in a huddle on the pitch after the match and said: “I was saying that my feelings for them are not dictated by winning and losing.

“I know what they are as men and teammates. I know the way they commit themselves to work, their family lives and one another.

“You take the wins and losses and keep moving forward. It’s important how we handle ourselves, particularly the next few days. We have got to set a good example to those that watch us closely and that’s what we will do.”