Matt Peet hailed his Wigan Warriors side’s efforts to edge out Leigh Leopards in Friday’s Super League play-off semi-final. However, the head coach believes his team will have to be better than they were against the Leopards if they are to be victorious in the Grand Final at Old Trafford next Saturday.
Wigan beat Leigh 18-6 at the Brick Community Stadium in what was a closely contest and entertaining clash. Bevan French got Wigan’s first, taking advantage of a Bailey Hodgson error, before Robbie Mulhern got the Leopards back on level pegging.
However, Adam Keighran kicked a penalty just a few minutes before the interval and from the resulting restart, French found a second, putting Jai Field through a gap before supporting his run.
Wigan emerged for the second half and took control of the contest, stifling Leigh in good ball and preventing Leigh from being able to work off a quick ruck. And, after a 40 minute defensive masterclass, Sam Walters touched down on the hooter.
The Warriors progress to Old Trafford, where they will face either Hull KR or St Helens and they have the chance to claim a third straight league title.
Speaking after the semi-final win, Peet praised a number of his key men while also lauding his side’s resilience.
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“Toughness I think and a connection between the players,” Peet told Sky Sports when asked what the win was made of. “Certainly things we’ll look back on and areas we want to make better but these lads keep turning up for one another and when they do get opportunities, they’re talented and they work hard on their attack.
“Jai Field, a very special performance from him today.
“I thought Jake Wardle had a good game, the back line, the middles kept turning up. It’s not often I single Jai and Bev out to be honest because everyone always does it for me but I just thought the kicks he was fielding and that cover tackle, he was just a handful on the ball all night.
“So proud of him on a night when people might question it was cut out for him but he’s certainly developed that side of his game since he’s been in the Northern Hemisphere.
“I thought we turned it around, there was a bit more physicality in the second half and for large parts I thought we controlled field position and territory through some tough defence. It still got quick at times but that’s credit to Leigh, particularly Bailey Hodgson, he’s tough to handle, Lachlan and Edwin, they’re a very talented team, they always trouble us and I know we are proud but we should be.”
On the other semi-final, which is played at Craven Park on Saturday, the Wigan Warriors boss added: “I’ll watch it, enjoy it and then watch it again and try and work out what we do next week. I think both teams are quality teams.
“I’ve got friends in both clubs and I’m sure it will be another great advert for Super League.
“Whoever gets there will be befitting of it, whether it’s Willie or Paul. I have respect for both of them and I think we’ll have to be a little bit better than we were tonight if we’re to have success.”
