Matt Peet on the new signing who has brought X-factor to Wigan
Patrick Mago joined Wigan in the off-season
Wigan coach Matt Peet has been impressed with new signing Patrick Mago since he arrived at the club in the off-season.
The 27-year-old New Zealander has joined the Warriors on a three-year deal from NRL side South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Mago has impressed in his first two games in Super League. He has helped Wigan win their opening games against Hull KR and Leeds.
On Mago, Peet said: “He’s settling in really well. I feel like he brings us an X-factor and a point of difference.
“I think there’s a lot of improvement in him but I think he’s enjoying the fact he belongs in the team. He certainly bought into what this club’s about.”
Australian full-back Jai Field scored a hat-trick to help Wigan beat Leeds 34-12 at the DW Stadium on Friday night.
Peet was pleased with his side’s performance against the Rhinos, particularly back-row pair John Bateman and Liam Farrell.
He added: “I thought they were excellent, particularly in the first 25 minutes.
“Leeds were probably getting the better of it but it was a few key actions by John and Liam that brought us back into the game. They consistently troubled Leeds back through the middle with their energy and tenacity – both defended very strong as well.
“They might not get the key praise tonight but they were fundamental to what we did.”
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There were more than 12,000 fans in attendance for Wigan’s first home game of the season, and Peet was delighted he could send them home happy after night in tough conditions.
He said: “A sincere thank you to the fans that came out in the conditions. Both sets of fans deserve credit. The Leeds fans were great and our own fans were.
“It is a nice start for this team and myself for so many people to send messages and to come out. I thought the fans were outstanding.
“The players spoke in the changing rooms about how the fans got behind them at certain moments and lifted them. We’ll know we are playing are good style and are committed when the fans get behind us. Hopefully it was worth them braving the elements.”
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