Matt Peet: The game has to protect itself and its players
Wigan head coach Matt Peet says he has no complaints for the two-match ban his forward Brad Singleton received in the Catalans defeat.
Singleton, 29, received a Grade B Late Hit on Passer following his side’s first defeat of the season.
The prop will miss the upcoming clash with Castleford on Thursday night. He will also miss their Challenge Cup sixth round clash with Salford.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Peet admitted he can appreciate the way the sport is going in order to protect itself and its players.
Matt Peet has no complaints with Singleton ban
“We can see the way the game is going,” he said. “There’s certainly no malice (in Singleton’s case).
“You’ve got to ask yourself in the wet conditions, at that speed, I think Brad would have needed to pretty much disappear. But we get it.
“We understand that the game has to protect itself and its players.
“There was certainly no malice. Mitchell Pearce said straight away it was sweet.
“I don’t think anyone will get hurt from that contact but I also appreciate the job that the RFL have got in looking after the players in the short-term and the long-term.”
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Team news
Ethan Havard could make his first appearance of the season on Thursday when the Warriors welcome Castleford to the DW Stadium.
Peet has discussed his team selection, saying Havard is close to making the 17.
“We’ve got a decision to make on him,” said Peet.
“He’s certainly in the mix. He’s been noted before this week on how professional and dedicated Ethan has been during this period.
“He has been outstanding. When he does get his chance, he’ll have certainly earned it.”
There are two changes to the Wigan side that lost 28-0 at Catalans on Saturday. Sam Halsall also comes into the squad.
Ollie Partington, Harry Smith, Brad O’Neill and Abbas Miski could return for Wigan after missing out on the matchday squad last week.
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