Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has given some pre-match insight ahead of the club’s trip to Paris, where they will face Catalans Dragons.
In a landmark moment for the sport, this week’s game is undoubtedly one of the biggest of the 2026 regular season, as the two teams do battle at the home of Paris FC.
Peet’s men come into the game off the back of the Challenge Cup Final win, a game that the boss thought, in terms of the scoreboard, deserved to be a lot closer than it was.
“It was a tough game,” he said. “I don’t think the score reflected the game and the intensity, particularly in the first half.
“The conditions meant that once we got ahead, the scoreboard got away from Hull KR. It didn’t reflect how competitive and intense that game was. I thought players did the basics really well.”
Star man Bevan French returned in that game, playing for 20 minutes as he replaced Lance Todd Trophy winner Jack Farrimond. As a result of his early return from injury, French will return to the physio room to finish his rehab before he comes back for good.
On the half-back, Peet said: “Although Bevan’s fully fit, he does need to build up his running. We’ll take him out of the squad for at least one week, maybe more.
“It’s important we give him the best chance to have a robust end to the season and to find his best form. There’s a long-term view with Bevan.”
Wigan Warriors win Challenge Cup, John Kear remembered and Sam Walters’ monster ban – Click here to listen to the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show.
Wigan Warriors boss previews Paris clash against Catalans Dragons
Coming down from the high of a Cup win in order to focus on the league will take a huge effort, with many teams in the past failing to back up Wembley wins with victory the following week.
Asked how his side will cope with that, the Wigan boss said: “Physically and emotionally you could perceive it as a challenge, but the lads are buzzing at the moment and the energy in the club’s great.
“We’re excited about the week, it’s a unique one and one we’re going to embrace.”
Playing in Paris marks a significant moment for the sport, with it being the first time since 1996 that a Super League game has taken place in the city.
“It’s exciting,” Peet said on the prospect of playing in the French capital. “It gets rugby league on the map in a capital city, one of the great cities in the world, and the players are excited about it.
“It’ll bring media attention and excitement for fans from both clubs, and I’m confident the game will deliver.”
They take on a Catalans side who are now under new boss John Cartwright, and after a fortnight to prepare after their win over York, will be well and truly up for the battle.
On this week’s opponents, Peet said: “They’ll come out physical. John [Cartwright] will have had an opportunity to make his mark on the squad, and we know his teams are fully committed.
“They’ll get the basics right and they’ll compete, but they’ve got some very talented players in the back line.
“There’s a lot of threat there and they’ll be determined as it’s a big occasion for them. We’re under no illusions that we’ll have to be very good to get the win.”
