Matty Peet offers counter over talk of Wigan Warriors' hectic schedule

Wigan Warriors head coach Matty Peet says he has no problem with his side’s intense schedule and believes it should be relished. Peet’s men travel to bitter rivals St Helens in the traditional Good Friday derby and then host Wakefield Trinity on Easter Monday. Playing two games in four days will ensure plenty of tired legs and aching limbs throughout Super League but the challenge does not faze Peet in the slightest.

“We know this time of years tests your squad, but that’s what is exciting about it,” said the Warriors boss. “We have set out to enjoy this period of the season and I think it’s something that players at a club like Wigan should relish – games like Good Friday and the Challenge Cup. If you want to be at a big club, you’ve got to enjoy the big games. If you don’t then you’re at the wrong club. Anyone at Wigan should thrive on these games, so I can’t wait.”

There is also the small matter of a Challenge Cup semi-final between Wigan and St Helens at Elland Road next month.

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“Any time Saints and Wigan are tied together, you know it’s going to be a blockbuster,” added Peet. If we’re going to win a trophy this year, we’re going to have to beat St Helens.”

Wigan endured a disappointing 2021 campaign and were ravaged by injuries at times. Now, though, they appear a side reborn with nearly all their key players fit and firing. While players such as Jai Field have grabbed the headlines – the Aussie full-back scored another hat-trick in Sunday’s Challenge Cup quarter-final win at Wakefield – Peet feels his side’s collective desire has fuelled their hugely promising run of form.

“We’re aiming to be a really tight-knit group who don’t