Matt Peet Gives Verdict on Wigan Warriors’ Pre-Season Opponents as Date Confirmed.
As the new rugby league season approaches, Wigan Warriors’ head coach Matt Peet has been giving his verdict on
the club’s pre-season opponents, following the confirmation of their match dates. With an eye on fine-tuning his
squad ahead of the highly anticipated Super League season, Peet has emphasized the importance of these pre-season
fixtures in building momentum, fitness, and team cohesion.
Wigan Warriors, one of the most successful clubs in Super League history, will face off against a range of formidable
opponents before the official start of the season. These pre-season games are always crucial in giving both the players
and coaching staff the chance to assess their readiness, implement tactical strategies, and get a feel for the
competition ahead. As Wigan fans eagerly await the fixtures, Matt Peet’s insights into the upcoming pre-season
matches are making headlines.
Peet, who has been at the helm of Wigan since 2021, revealed that the Warriors’ pre-season opponents have been
carefully chosen to ensure they provide the right balance of challenge and preparation. “We’ve worked hard to secure
a set of pre-season fixtures that will push us both physically and mentally,” Peet explained. “It’s about creating the
right environment for the players to learn, improve, and prepare for the demands of the season ahead.”
The Warriors will open their pre-season campaign with a match against an ambitious Championship side, which
Peet believes will provide a perfect opportunity for his squad to focus on refining the fundamentals. The fixture
against a lower league team is set to be held on January 13, 2024, at the DW Stadium. It is expected to allow Wigan’s
key players some much-needed game time to build match fitness, while also offering the younger members of the
squad a chance to stake their claim for a spot in the first-team.
“Playing against a Championship side is a great way to test our systems and combinations,” said Peet. “We want to
ensure that the whole squad gets an opportunity to play, and that the younger players feel like they’re part of what
we’re trying to build here at Wigan. It’s going to be an important day for those players looking to break into the
team.”
The Warriors’ second pre-season fixture will take place the following week, with a clash against a Super League rival.
The match, set for January 20, will be a far sterner test, as Peet’s men will face a team that poses a similar level of
challenge to what they’ll encounter during the regular season. This game is expected to be a true benchmark of the
Warriors’ progress and a chance for the team to start setting its sights on Super League glory. Peet has made no
secret of his desire for a top-four finish, and the match against a Super League opponent will serve as a crucial gauge
of his players’ readiness.
“Facing a Super League team in pre-season is always a good indicator of where we are,” Peet said. “We’ll be looking
for our players to bring intensity, focus, and structure into that game. It will be a good test of our preparation and
give us a chance to see how well the players are adapting to our systems.”
Wigan Warriors have a rich history of dominance in Super League, and Peet knows that setting the right tone in pre-
season is crucial to achieving success. With several key players returning from injury and some exciting new signings
added to the squad, the Warriors’ coaching staff is eager to see how these new combinations will gel. Players such as
Bevan French, Jai Field, and Liam Marshall will be looking to build on their standout performances from the
previous season, while newcomers will be eager to make an impression.
“The intensity of pre-season matches is key for us,” Peet explained. “We need to build towards the start of the season,
but also ensure the players are in a good place physically. The pre-season is not just about winning; it’s about
ensuring that we’re ready for the bigger challenges that lie ahead.”
With the season fast approaching, fans can expect a competitive and exciting pre-season campaign that will set the
stage for the Warriors’ quest for success in 2024. The confirmation of the dates for the pre-season fixtures, coupled
with Peet’s thoughtful insights, has set the stage for an exciting run-up to the new season.
As Wigan Warriors prepare to take on their pre-season opponents, all eyes will be on how Matt Peet’s squad
measures up to the challenges ahead, and whether they can hit the ground running when the Super League season
officially kicks off. With a mix of experienced players and rising stars, Wigan fans have plenty to look forward to in
what promises to be an exciting year of rugby league action.