At 40 years old, Matt Peet currently stands astride English Rugby League like the colossus of Rhodes. At 40 years old, he has won every title available with his Wigan Warriors side, having lifted the Challenge Cup at Wembley this weekend.
Peet’s second Challenge Cup completed a remarkable clean sweep of trophies and moved them into the pantheon of the greats, occupied by the Wigan sides of the early 90s. Peet has been instrumental in their return to the summit of the sport.
However, with the success he has achieved, it was inevitable that he would begin to attract interest from the NRL. Whilst no British coach has ever been appointed head coach of an NRL side, plenty are making their mark as assistant coaches, and it seems that it is only a matter of time before one lands the big job.
Could Matt Peet be on the verge of a sensational switch?
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Wigan Warriors boss attracting NRL interest
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According to Code NRL, Peet is in the running for a vacant position in the NRL. Code NRL state that Peet is on a shortlist featuring eight candidates in total for the vacant head role. They claim:
“A left-of-centre candidate. Rumours are circulating that Peet is interested in the Eels position, even though he’s extended his deal at Wigan.
“Peet has proven himself to be an elite coach in a short amount of time. He’s in his third season at the helm of the Warriors and already won a Challenge Cup, Super League title and beaten Penrith in the World Club Challenge, and picked up Coach of the Year honours.
“It’s little wonder Wigan gave him a seven-year extension, taking him until the end of 2030. Tactically astute and loved by his players, Peet will coach in the NRL one day.”
The Eels have had a disastrous 2024 NRL season so far. They currently sit 14th in the table with just four wins from 13 games. Their poor start to the season led to them parting ways with head coach, Brad Arthur in May.
Peet tied to long-term contract
Wigan coach Matt Peet and Mascot Max celebrate the challenge Cup victory during the Betfred Challenge Cup Final match between Huddersfield Giants and Wigan at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England on 28 May 2022. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xSimonxHallx 32130042
As stated above, Matt Peet was one of several key figures at Wigan who signed extended terms with the club. In March this year, Peet, Sean O’Loughlin and Thomas Leulai all signed seven year deals to keep them at Wigan until the 2030 season.
Speaking upon the announcement of the contracts, Wigan’s Chief Executive, Kris Radlinski, spoke of the logic behind the prolonged contracts. He stated:
“Our trio of coaches, led by Matt Peet, have not only won matches and trophies but also the hearts of the players, the fans and the Communities they represent. Alongside this is their continual desire to learn and eagerness for development. They go about their business in a humble and unassuming manner.” Before concluding, “we must retain these guys”.
It is unknown whether the contracts contain any provision for a release in the event of interest from the NRL, or whether Peet would be interested in the move. However, Wigan appear to face a battle to retain the services of their inspirational head coach.
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