Weekend Magic: Matt Peet defends ‘loss of identity’ comments ahead of Wigan Warriors clash with St Helens | Rugby League News
Matt Peet says he stands by his words that St Helens have “lost who they are” ahead of the two derby foes meeting at Magic Weekend on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Peet made the comments after his side’s 32-0 win over Saints in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup which they progressed to after a comprehensive victory over Hull KR.
It was the second meeting between the sides this season after St Helens staged a stunning comeback on Good Friday, with Bill Leyland on loan from Hull KR scoring twice in the closing minutes to secure victory.
It was that Good Friday victory that sparked Peet’s comments, especially with St Helens using Leyland and Jordan Dezaria from the Robins on a one-week loan and the wild celebrations that followed.
Now, as they prepare for a trilogy game at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, the atmosphere surrounding what is already a fierce game has been further strengthened by Peet’s comments.
Even though he knows that they were said out of emotion, Peet “stands by” what he said and looks forward to another derby fight.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
On loan from Hull KR, Bill Leyland scored twice in the closing minutes to complete a stunning St Helens comeback, first curling in from close range before running upfield after Wigan’s mistake to win the derby.
“I said what I said in context, at the time, some emotion there and yes, I have to own that comment,” Peet said. Sky Sports.
“But the focus is very much on the front now and they won’t count for much, that won’t count for anything this weekend.
“It’s all about preparing our players now and trying to do the best we can.”
When St Helens head coach Paul Rowley was asked if the comments had played a part in the Saints’ preparation his answer was simple: “Not at all”.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Bill Leyland looks back on a surreal derby performance after scoring two goals and admits he had one training session with St Helens following his loan spell with Hull KR.
He later added: “For me, there was nothing to draw under. I didn’t react, so it’s the same again.
“Lee Briers never did it last week.
“There’s nothing there.”
Wigan are dealing with four new injuries
Peet also confirmed that his side will be without Bevan French, Liam Farrell, Luke Thompson, and Noah Hodkinson when his side face their old foes.
Young Hodkinson suffered a fractured skull, while Farrell suffered a shoulder injury, French suffered a hamstring problem, and Thompson suffered a foot injury.
Peet said: “We’ve lost Luke Thompson. He’s got lines in his foot, so he’ll be out for about six weeks.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
After being out for 12 weeks with a hamstring injury, Bevan French returned as he helped Wigan beat Hull KR to victory in the Challenge Cup.
“Farrell came out with a smile, but he’s got a few now, so he’ll be out for four weeks, then he’ll be re-evaluated, so he’ll be out for at least four weeks.
“Noah Hodkinson fractured his skull, so maybe it’s not as extreme as it sounds in terms of timing, he has to have a bit of surgery there, so he’ll be out for three or four weeks.
“Bevan French has a hamstring, so he’s in grade two. It’s a different hamstring than last time, but it’s probably going to be four weeks, so there’s a couple of issues there.”
Despite the problems, Peet says he is relishing the chance to see Wigan’s youth shine again.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said Peet. “Every time I watch our reserves, I’m impressed. Last weekend they played Leeds, two good teams, so those kinds of reserve games give you confidence that the players are ready.
“There will be guys who are caught in form in that game and those who run in it the way they played before when they get the chance.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Everton defender James Tarkowski joins St Helens star and Toffees fan Jackson Hastings at the BrewDog Stadium to take part in a number of challenges ahead of Super League’s Magic Weekend.
The Saints also have a number of injuries to deal with, with the likes of Jonny Lomax, Mark Percival, Noah Stephens, Deon Cross, George Whitby, Lewis Murphy, and Matty Lees all out.
For Rowley, the weekend represented another opportunity to use the “next man up” mindset he’s been using all season.
“There are a lot of injured players in our team so we would like to have everyone fit, obviously, but as every coach always says, it’s the next person who thinks,” he said.
“I think that throughout the season, our players have been working very well because they have been strong. We have discovered new stars, Jake Davies being one of them, and we will continue to do that and we will continue to do well.
“When everyone is wearing a Saints badge, we find a way to do things and we work hard to keep improving week by week, so this is another big test for us.”
Super League 2026 – important dates ahead
- Magical Weekend: July 4-July 5
- Rivals Round postponed: July 23-July 26
- To finish playing games: September 19-September 20
- It’s a semi-final: September 26-September 27
- Grand Final: October 3
Sky Sports will show every Super League game live this season, including two games in each round in a live special. The remaining five games will be broadcast on Sky Sports+
