There has been some evidence that Matty Peet’s lack of a professional career could count as rugby league career against him as he prepares to usher Wigan into a new era, but the Warriors’ new head coach insists it actually makes him better is prepared to take the job of a lifetime in 2022.
Peet has taken an unconventional route to the top of the game. He has served twice at Wigan and worked his way through the coaching ranks on either side of a temporary code change to Sale Sharks.
Before that, however, his playing career only took him to the reserve squad at Leigh Centurions before deciding to end the day in his early 20s to go to university.
He began as a local coach with the Westhoughton Lions and is now responsible for his hometown club, having been named to replace Adrian Lam. But this unusual path to becoming head coach at DW Stadium is positive for Peet.
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“That’s why I came here,” he insists.
“I’ve got a head start. I know I think I’m inexperienced, but I’ve been doing this for a long time, I’ve exhausted every opportunity to improve, I’ve made mistakes and I’ve improved. I like to read about that Play, visit new places, listen and call people.
“I’ve always been curious and always wanted to improve and learn how that can affect my players and the culture I work in. When I first came to Wigan, I was always trying to get everyone to get better. “.”
Peet also revealed the motivation that led him to pursue a career as a coach at the age of 21 rather than as a player. “I have local amateur rugby in Wigan St that’s a day,” he recalls.
“I’ve been to international amateur touring and stuff like that, but when I realized I wasn’t good enough to play in the Super League, I decided to focus on coaching. I must have been around 21. I went to university but I had problems. I was giving too much time to other things because I started coaching a junior team in the U12 and I really enjoyed it. A friend of a friend asked me to do a training session in Westhoughton, and really enjoyed it from then on, it really went. “
Peet rates current English coach Shaun Wane as one of the biggest influences on his career – and he’s excited to see the two of them get back together at the Warriors next year as Wane supports Peet in his new position as head coach.
“The effect it had on me is second to none,” he admits.
“Shaun was the one who gave me access and explained why things were being done and he took a lot of time to educate me and challenge me. We have become really good friends and I would like to think about helping him a bit and he’s helped me a lot. This is the evolution of that relationship. He’ll be there when I need him. “
