Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet was left impressed with how his side bounced back from last week’s Good Friday defeat after securing victory over Wakefield Trinity.
Progressing through to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, Wigan took a 26-22 victory over last year’s play-off contenders to secure a meeting with local rivals St Helens.
Zach Eckersley crossed twice, whilst Patrick Mago, Liam Marshall and Jai Field all got on the scoresheet for Peet’s side, who are looking to win a record-extending 22nd Challenge Cup trophy.
Speaking to the BBC post-match, Peet revealed how difficult the past nine days had been following the loss to Saints, but was pleased with the resilience and fight his side showed to take the spoils.
“It’s been a challenging week,” he explained. “I’m really proud of some of the performances off the back of what we did in training, particularly our right edge.
“I thought Jack [Farrimond] took some big steps, played very tough. He probably summed us up today, [he was] ballsy, I thought.”
Wigan only conceded one try in the second half, as Cameron Scott managed to cross thanks to Trinity keeping the ball alive. Barring that, the second half was a perfect showing without the ball, something that gives Peet confidence going forward.
Commenting on his side’s incredible defence, he added: “AÂ lot of it was just scramble efforts, desire.
“When the system broke down, which it did a few times, Wakefield throw a bit at you, but I just thought we had a little bit more desire. That’s something where St Helens outdid us last week.”
“…We never spoke about not being in form. We spoke about trying to do the things we do best. And I thought even in that opening period, apart from the tries which were pretty soft in isolation, we were all right in the cycle.
“I do commend the players for just holding the nerve in that period.”
Super League Rivals Round madness, broken video referee system and the Challenge Cup – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
Wigan Warriors boss hails “weapon” Patrick Mago
Player of the Match awards in tight knockout games tend to go to the half-backs, but this afternoon Wigan prop Mago had an unbelievable game, and was rightly crowned the best player on the pitch.
Scoring a try and producing a brilliant cut-out pass for another, Mago did as much work in attack as he did defence and he was the Warriors’ best forward this afternoon in his two stints on the field.
The former NRL man actually had to go for a HIA half-way through the game, which made his effort that bit better. Had they have lost the enforcer, there is a chance Wigan don’t go on to win that game.
Peet recognised the impact of the off-contract ace, and said: “He’s a weapon of ours. You never know how long he’s going to be out there for with the way the game flows.
“I mean, the pass he picked for one of the tries, not many front rowers even see that… He’s just such a talented lad, we’re limited to how many minutes he can play for, because he’s a power athlete, but it’s great to have that kind of footballer when you can.”
