Wigan Warriors have made some huge signings such as former Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants star Kruise Leeming, his former teammate Sam Walters and Catalans Dragons star Adam Keighran.
However, as they put together their new look team for 2024 there has been a focus on reinforcing the pack and they have certainly done that.
They have now ensured stability in the middle giving a new deal to Mike Cooper in a bit of a shock given some believed his career was over after he suffered an ACL injury.
The prop forward suffered a serious knee injury in this year’s Good Friday Derby that required extensive surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.
The England international made seven appearances at the back end of the 2022 season, then eight appearances at the start of 2023 before sustaining the injury.
Matt Peet said: “When Mike got injured, he was in excellent form and we know he has more quality performances to give in a Wigan shirt – his reaction to such a bad injury has been exemplary.
“On an individual level, he has applied himself to the highest standard and is in outstanding physical shape. His leadership and commitment to the group have been outstanding and he is affecting our culture positively on a day-to-day basis.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Mike.”
On the extension, Mike Cooper said: “I’m over the moon to extend my stay for a further year at Wigan.
“From the moment I signed, I’ve loved every single day here. It’s an environment where we all continue to learn and grow, and to get the opportunity to work with this group of players and staff at this stage of my career is something I feel very fortunate to do.”
This comes after Wigan announced that Matt Peet had signed a new deal.
Peet has agreed to remain as Head Coach for a further four-years, until the end of the 2027 season.
Peet joined Wigan 14 years ago as an Academy player and has progressed through a number of roles.
He began his coaching journey at Westhoughton and Wigan St Patrick’s before moving back to Wigan as Scholarship coach in 2008. He progressed quickly through the Scholarship and Academy coaching ranks eventually becoming Head of Youth Performance in 2013.
After a brief spell away at Sale Sharks Rugby Union, he returned as assistant first-team coach before landing the Head Coach position in November 2021.
Peet has quickly become an admired and respected coach across the sport, known for his open and honest approach.
He made an immediate impact in his first season in charge leading Wigan to a first Challenge Cup title in nine years, beating Huddersfield Giants 16-14 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and had won Betfred Coach of the Month on three occasions.
