Everything Matty Peet said on Bevan French, squad fitness and Challenge Cup tie with Salford

Wigan Warriors' journey in the Challenge Cup this year begins on Friday with a mouthwatering all-Super League tie against Salford Red Devils. The Warriors have not won rugby league's most famous competition since 2013, with just one appearance in the final since then.

Coach Matty Peet met with the press on Tuesday to discuss a number of key issues ahead of the game. Here is everything the Wigan boss had to say.

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"Enormous," Peet said. "It's an expectation that we perform well in it because we know it means a lot to the town and fans of the club. To take the fans on any sort of journey and get them excited about the game, that's what motivates us. It's important our focus is massively on a tough challenge on Friday evening."

Peet also stressed the importance of not looking beyond Friday. He said: "It's as important to me as it is for the fans, players and staff. We all want to go on that journey but we know there's a determined Salford team on the way and any talk of looking past them would be stupid and disrespectful."

French and Thornley are nearing returns to action - but this week's cup tie has come fractionally too soon for both. French is now in full training after returning to the country late into pre-season, while Thornley's recovery from an injury suffered in the opening round against Hull KR is also on track.

"They're just both not quite ready," Peet said. "They're closer than they were last week though."

Wigan will be boosted by the return of Jake Bibby, who missed last week's win over Castleford with illness - but there will not be many changes to the team overall, Peet insisted.

"We're absolutely going strong," Peet said. "There won't