Matt Peet on Warriors v Robins clash

Reigning champions Wigan Warriors welcome league leaders Hull KR to the Brick Community Stadium tonight (K.O. 8pm).

It’s a battle of the table toppers with both sides chasing victory in pursuit of the League Leaders’ Shield. Hull KR are aiming to lift the shield for the very first time having won the Challenge Cup earlier this season, whilst Wigan are determined to defend both the League Leaders’ Shield and their Super League crown for a third successive year.

The two met earlier this year in Round 7 where Wigan emerged victorious after a battle at Sewell Group Craven Park. Despite efforts from the Robins, including a 12-6 lead at the break, the Warriors emerged with a 12-28 victory.

Wigan Warriors coach Matt Peet is expecting another intense match-up when he spoke in his presser:

“Looking at the past meetings between the two teams and the momentum of Super League in the last few weeks I think you’re going to see an intensity go to a good level.

“Both teams like to play the game the right way, back the defence and they’ve got some quality in attack.

“I think you’re going to see a combination of hard-work and intensity, but also some flashes of skill.”

Wigan have won their last four home meetings with Hull KR and are looking to add a fifth in front of an expected crowd of over 17,000. The visitors have had an impressive season so fare and are aiming to extend their lead at the top to six points following tonight’s clash.

“I think they’re a well-balanced team. They’ve got good strong aggressive forwards, smart athletic backs. It’s a good formula for success” added Peet.

Former Warriors player and coach Paul Deacon has also recently been brought in as another assistant coach. Deacon left his role as head coach of Sale Sharks at the end of the Rugby Union season having spent a decade at the club. His return is expected to be invaluable in bringing experience and knowledge to help the Warriors keep moving forward.

“It’s another pair of hands and another intelligent mind. He is opinionated, experienced and a great character.

“It’s only going to bring positive things when you bring another coach in of that quality to collaborate with the team.

“He knows the club, he’s a rugby league man first and foremost.”

“He’s had some new experiences that he can share with us and collaborate with our coaching team.”

Both teams will be missing key players. Hull KR are without Tyrone May, while Wigan have concerns over Bevan French and Luke Thompson.

Zach Eckersley has impressed in recent weeks with Peet highlighting his performance after a positive night against Warrington last weekend.

“He’s had a good season; he’s on an upwards trajectory. It’s testament to the hard work he puts in. He’s looking better and better physically all the time.”

For now, the reigning champions are looking to build momentum in the final weeks of the season for a Play-Off push that will secure their next Super League title.

“Come these kinds of games at the end of the year, everyone’s aware of what’s at stake, you’re just looking for improvements.

“It’s not neglecting the importance of results, but I think it’s how we try and turn up each week regardless of the opposition or the occasion. We just try and be better than the previous week - that’s our philosophy.

“We try not to look too far ahead and try not to react too much to the ups and downs of it. We keep our head down and work hard.

“That’s the plan the whole time, to take one step forward and rise a level on the previous weeks, months and days”

“Theres been challenges along the way, we would have loved to have done better in the Challenge Cup, but I can see the direction of travel now. It’s always an interesting journey as a season in Super League”

Don’t miss Wigan Warriors and Hull KR’s blockbuster clash tonight – live on Sky Sports (K.O. 8pm).