Ahead of their clash at Super League Magic Weekend 2026, Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has doubled down on his assertion that St Helens have “lost their identity”.
Peet made the comment after beating the Saints in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, which the Warriors went on to win.
It was the two sides’ second meeting of the season following the Good Friday derby match on April 3.
Hull KR loanee Bill Leyland won that match for Saints in dramatic fashion by scoring two late tries.
The use of two Hull KR players on one-week loans prompted Peet to make the controversial comment, which he’s standing by ahead of the next clash.
The teams are set to meet again on Sunday, July 5 on the second day of the Magic Weekend, which sees all 14 Betfred Super League teams play over two days at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Doubling down on comments
Peet told Sky Sports: “I said what I said in context – in that moment, a bit of emotion there – and yeah, I’ve got to own those comments.
“But the attention is very much looking forward now and they won’t count for much. That won’t count for anything this weekend.
“It is all about preparing our players now and trying to get the best performance we can.”
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Magic Weekend injuries mount
Ahead of the meeting with the Saints, Peet announced that four Warriors stars are out due to injury.
“We lost Luke Thompson. He’s done the ligaments in his foot, so he’ll be around six weeks,” he said.
“[Liam] Farrell came off with a stinger, but he’s had a few now, so he’s going to have four weeks out, and then he’s going to get re-assessed, so he’ll be at least four weeks.
“Noah Hodkinson broke his skull, so probably not as extreme as it sounds in terms of timeframe – he’s got to get a bit of an operation there, so he’ll be three or four weeks.
“Bevan French has a hamstring strain, so it is grade two. It is a different hamstring than last time, but it will probably be four weeks, so there is a bit of news there.”
Chance for the youngsters
Given the injuries, slots have now opened up for some reserve players to get involved in the game.
However, Peet remains excited for the match-up, saying: “I’m looking forward to it.
“Every time I watch our reserves, I’m impressed.
“Last weekend, they played against Leeds, two good teams, so those kinds of reserve games give you the confidence that players are ready.
“There will be lads picked on form from that game and the ones running up to it from how they performed in the past when they’ve had an opportunity.”
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