Wigan head coach Matt Peet hailed his side’s 30-18 Betfred Super League win over Warrington as “better than a final” as four members of his injury-hit squad scored their first senior tries at the Brick Community Stadium.
One of them, full-back Josh Cartwright, was only told he was starting on the morning of the game after an injury to Australian star Jai Field, who joined the likes of Junior Nsemba, Bevan French and Liam Farrell on the sidelines.
Taylor Kerr, Kian McDermott and Austin Daniel were the other first-time scorers on a brilliant night for Wigan’s academy system, and Peet added: “I’m so proud – they made it tough at times but they are tough kids and tough rugby league players and it is a privilege to coach them.”
Peet singled out Cartwright, whose excellent first half try helped haul the youthful Warriors – who looked in danger of being overwhelmed in the early stages – back into the contest after shipping early tries to Albert Hopoate and Ewan Irwin.
“He (Cartwright) never fails to deliver,” added Peet. “Every time he has an opportunity he does himself proud and we are lucky to have him. They are tough kids and it’s very easy to coach lads who bring that sort of motivation and drive.”
Wigan’s win confirms their status in second place behind leaders Leeds but Peet insisted he is unconcerned by the standings as the season starts to approach the play-off run-in.
He added: “I’ve got my eyes on the team, not the league table, not even on the results. Our attitude and what we stand for will take place of itself.”
Disappointed Warrington coach Sam Burgess could not fault the players for effort but was left frustrated by their inability to press home their advantage after forcing their way into a six-point half-time lead.
Their early momentum was sapped by a yellow card for James Bentley midway through the first period, and Burgess said: “There were a couple of moments for both sides in both halves.
“I did really feel like we had a great control of it, then poor discipline, and if you give a champion side like Wigan too many opportunities they will make you pay. I guess from the sin-binning onwards, we couldn’t get our rhythm again.”
An injury crisis of their own is beginning to overshadow the Wolves’ bright start to the campaign and there are increasing fears that with more big games to come – including defending champions Hull KR next week – they could be on the slide.
But Burgess insisted: “I’m not wobbling in the wind, and neither are the players. We’ll get back to who we are in terms of performance, but people have to be patient. We’re working hard, and this period of the season will certainly teach us a few valuable lessons.”
