Matt Peet: Wigan Warriors’ Super League Grand Final preparation started in pre-season | This is what we strive for

Matt Peet wants to bring rugby league’s grand prize back to his hometown; Wigan Warriors take on Catalans Dragons in Old Trafford showpiece; watch the decider live on Sky Sports from 5pm on Saturday (6pm kick-off)

Matt Peet wants to bring the big prize back to Wigan after five years without a Grand Final victory

Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet said he had long been preparing for the enormity of what Saturday’s Grand Final would bring.

The hometown boy earned the club’s top job in 2021 and guided Wigan to the Grand Final for the first time since 2020.

While for many thoughts only turn to the big game at Old Trafford at the end of the season, for Peet it is something he has been preparing for before the season even begins.

“It’s not something we just started talking about this week, it’s something we’ve been talking about throughout our preparations, starting in preseason,” Peet said.

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Highlights of Wigan Warriors v Hull KR in their Super League play-off semi-final at the DW Stadium

“When we review matches we talk about the type of play you will need in a Grand Final. Dealing with pressure, that brings some relief, but we talk about it a lot and focus on your job.

“In these kinds of games, the first 20 minutes are also crucial and are very physical, and that suits us as a team.”

As the coach of the club in the town he grew up in, it’s safe to say that Peet is motivated by his team’s huge fanbase and the support they have shown him.

On Saturday, he wants to give something back.

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Catalans Dragons manager Steve McNamara looks ahead to this year’s Super League Grand Final against Wigan and says a victory for the French side would be huge for the sport in this country.

“Our fans have been fantastic, they have done nothing but support us and they deserve these kinds of opportunities,” he added.

“I saw it develop more this year when Good Friday was a sellout and then most of the time we take the fans out and they build record crowds for the season because that’s the support we have.

“We could feel the enthusiasm, the dynamism, the support in the city this week and I hope we can give them a good Saturday.

“The players who have never played, I’m excited for them and this is what they deserve and this is the next step in their career.

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Sam Tomkins taunted St Helens fans with the same celebration almost 13 years later!

“I have every confidence in them and they know they can perform.

“We have a club and a team that brings experience in this particular game but also in other big games.

“It will be a great moment for the club, the team, the players and that’s what we strive for all year.

“I think any time a group of people sets their sights on an award, it will be a proud moment.”

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Wigan Warriors’ Bevan French says it’s an honor to win the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel award, but admits it won’t be understood until after the Grand Final

While the Grand Final opportunity will not be lost on Peet, the majority of the focus in the build-up has been on the Catalans and their retired Wiganer Sam Tomkins.

For Peet, as a rugby league fan, this is no problem.

“Until we got here, it’s been a normal week for us around the team, in practice,” Peet said.

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Highlights as Catalans Dragons take on St Helens in the play-off semi-final at the Stade Gilbert Brutus

“Obviously driving here it starts to hit home, coming into the stadium, coming down the tunnel, it’s a little different and it’s exciting.

“The anticipation is starting to build.

“I think every time you get to a Grand Final there’s a story around it and this year, rightly so, it’s about Sam and the French Rugby League.

“I understand why, he’s an incredible player. I think what the Catalans did in France is wonderful and it’s good for the game.”

How to watch

This year’s Grand Final is exclusively live on Sky Sports, with coverage starting at 5 p.m. Air Sports Arena And Sky Sports main event. There will be live blog coverage, video clips, highlights, reporting and reactions on the Aerial sports website and app. You can also Stream the Super League Grand Final and more of the best sports with NOW.