Matt Peet has admitted that Wigan Warriors needed a game such as today’s gritty win against Hull FC, with the head coach praising his side’s resolve.
Wigan only led the game for eight minutes but fortunately for them, they were leading at the final hooter as they came out on top as 20-16 victors over Hull FC.
In an incredibly scrappy game, Wigan lost both Liam Farrell and Luke Thompson to injuries inside the first 15 minutes, something that played havoc with their interchanges in what was a long game in tough heat.
As such, Peet was full of praise for his side, even if the performance was way off the level he knows his side can achieve.
“These are the games that can define the year, I think,” Peet admitted when speaking post-match on Sky Sports.
“In response to a question, was this the most pleased I’ve been as coach, I was saying that you get the pleasure of peaking for the big games at the right time but I think today had that sort of feel about it.
“We probably were due a game like that, we needed one. We’ve been getting a lot of our own way, and it’s great to see that that resolve was there when it was tested in all sorts of ways today.”
Super League standards slipping, Leeds’ latest signing, and the big England squad debate – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
Wigan Warriors boss piles praise on Harry Smith
Asked about the injury toll that they suffered early on and therefore the amount of changes that were forced mid-game, Peet accepted that it’s something he was proud of.
“Everyone gets it at some point,” he said.
“The important thing is that you try and pick up the wins along the way, find out about yourself, and hopefully you’re as healthy as you can be when the big games come around.
“You learn a lot about your group on days like today, a lot about your supporters, who were fantastic.
“Although I would have rather it been a bit prettier and start better than we did, we found ourselves in the situation, some of it credit to Hull being outstanding, some of it a few things we would have liked to do better, but the fact that we can work ourselves out in that situation is good to know.”
One of those who helped Wigan out of the situation was Harry Smith as he nailed a 40/20 and scored the game-winning try and Peet was full of praise for his number seven.
“He thrived in that calm environment, cool head, competitive nature. It didn’t go all Harry’s way today. The important thing is that we tried to keep some emotional control about it and execute the play when they presented themselves. There was a lot that went on today, very challenging, the heat, etc. I’m made up with the team.”
With Magic Weekend and a clash against St Helens on the horizon, Peet was sure to hammer home his belief that Wigan had needed a game such as this one.
“It was probably just the kind of game we needed. You don’t get it all your own way, Hull gave us a great fight today. They set about us and asked questions, and we’ll be better for that.”
