Matt Peet’s classy words on Jake Trueman ahead of potential return from injury
Opposition head coach Matt Peet says it will be a welcomed sight if Jake Trueman is to make his long-awaited return from injury against Wigan.
Trueman, 24, suffered an ACL injury last July against Huddersfield, ending his Castleford career prematurely to link up with Hull on a three-year deal ahead of the 2023 campaign.
His injury has seen him sidelined for the opening 10 rounds of the current campaign, but has been included in Tony Smith’s 21-man Hull squad for the first time.
To date, Trueman has made 93 Super League appearances since his debut in 2017, having progressed through Bradford’s academy.
He won Super League’s Young Player of the Year in 2018, and represented England at the World Cup 9s Down Under in 2019.
Wigan travel to Hull this Thursday, live on Sky Sports, and head coach Peet says he is happy to see the English playmaker return from injury, having previously worked together at England academy.
Matt Peet on Jake Trueman
“I’m just pleased to see him back on the field,” Peet said on Trueman.
“He’s such a talented player and is another player who could end up being anything in the game.
“I’m bias, but it’s sad to see young British players when they miss game time through injury.
“I just think, and Tony [Smith] will tell Jake better than me, he just needs to get back on the field and enjoy himself.
“His talents are outstanding, particularly his ball-handling skills and his ability to pick the right pass.
“It’s great to see him back out there and hopefully we can defend his talents as best we can. But he certainly will pose a threat.
“I’m just glad to see him back on the field. He’s a player I worked with during England academy and he’s a good character.”
Wigan coach previews Hull clash
Prior to the international break that saw England men and women defeat France in Warrington in a double-header, Hull claimed their third win of the season with a 20-14 score over Huddersfield in Round 10 at home.
Another victory could see them go on level points with the Giants on the Super League table, with Ian Watson’s side facing Hull KR on Friday.
Asked what he expects from Smith’s side, Wigan boss Peet responded: “A very committed, energised team who have just had their best performance of the season. They’ve had some time to rest up and re-energise. I think it will be a massive test for us and our squad.
“Hull away is always one of the fixtures you know is going to be a big test, particularly on a Thursday evening and particularly when they’re flying off the back of that last performance.
“I can see why Tony [Smith] would have been really proud of that as a coach. I think the way they turned up for each other, led by Danny Houghton, was really outstanding.”
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