Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet embracing the rubbish parts of dream coaching role

Matty Peet loves life as Wigan Warriors head coach so much he even laps up the “mundane bits.” Eight months into his dream job as boss of his hometown club, he faces the biggest test of his reign yet when they face St Helens in Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final.

Peet, 38, has served all manner of roles at Wigan since starting as a scholarship coach and having previously played for their academy. But with Wigan joint-top alongside leaders Saints in Super League, he has quickly taken to the main job and has the side playing some brilliant football.

It is no surprise the Elland Road showdown with their fierce rivals is expected to be a classic. Peet conceded: “I love it. I love every day of it.

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“I love the highs and the lows, the mundane parts and the fun exciting parts obviously like this week. But I love going to work every day. I love planning training, meetings with players and staff who I believe are a very special group - they’re very good friends - and we’re a tight group.

“I’m privileged to do it. And I'm going to make sure I continue to enjoy it.”

That will be especially so if Wigan can dump out holders Saints at the weekend. Wigan have won the Cup more than any other side but have not prospered since 2013, something which drives them on, Peet in particular.

In contrast, Saints won it last term for the first time in 13 years but their appetite isn’t sated: now they have the taste. It’s hard to say who’ll have the most desire to succeed come this weekend.

Peet conceded: “It’s big whichever side of it you’re on. If you’re like St Helens last year, you have a thirst for it if you’ve not tasted it for a while.

“Ultimately, it’s about