Matt Peet was full of praise for his young stars after Wigan Warriors knocked off Warrington Wolves to move second in Super League.
Without plenty of first teamers, including full-back Jai Field who pulled out on the morning of the game, Wigan won 30-18 as their young talents stepped up with four of their five try scorers registering a first senior try.
It would have been easy for Wigan to fold given how many players they were missing, especially after they went 12-0 down inside 12 minutes but full-back and Jai Field replacement Josh Cartwright carved a run through to pull it back to 12-6, and Peet spoke favourably of the youngster.
“What a performance, it’s a credit to him, he’s been like that the whole time he’s been at the club,” Peet beamed when asked about Cartwright, who took home the Man of the Match medal.
“A bit of a late comer, late developer, but he never fails to deliver, whether that’s in training or every time there’s an opportunity, he’s done himself proud and we’re lucky to have him.”
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Wigan Warriors boss beams with pride after young guns shine
Cartwright wasn’t the only young player to stand up with Taylor Kerr, Kian McDermott and Austin Daniel also scoring their first professional tries, whilst the likes of Lukas Mason, Shea O’Connor and George O’Loughlin were also afforded an opportunity given the injury issues.
On whether Cartwright was a player who epitomises what Wigan are about, Peet agreed: “I think so. The tough kids never know when they’re beat, they just want to win for this club and then for the families and stuff.
“It’s very easy to coach lads who bring that sort of motivation and drive and commitment, the way they’ve been brought up, and the families, and then through the community game around here and then in our system, I get the easy bit.”
When asked about those other youngsters scoring, a proud Peet admitted: “Better than a final, better than a final. I’m so proud.
“We made it tough at times, Warrington made it tough at times, we did some things that made the game exciting, but tough kids and tough rugby league players are hard to beat, and like I say, I’m very privileged to coach them.”
Despite moving into second, the Wigan boss explained his focus is solely on the Warriors, and not the league table: “I’ve got my eyes on the team, to be honest. Not on the league table, not even the results but on our attitude, what we stand for, and everything else will take care of itself.”
