Wigan coach Matt Peet welcomes squad rotation and selection headaches
Photo courtesy of Paul Currie
New Wigan coach Matt Peet has welcomed as many selection dilemmas as possible, insisting it will only be a positive for the club.
Peet says he will manage captain Tommy Leuluai carefully during the upcoming season in order to get the best out of him.
The 36-year-old half-back decided to go around again after fully recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the last two months of last season.
New signing Cade Cust has been given the number six jersey upon his arrival, with Leuluai keeping seven. There is also competition for places from Harry Smith and highly-rated 18-year-old Logan Astley.
Peet will also have Australian utility back Jai Field at his disposal. Field’s first season in England was hit by injury, limiting him to just four appearances. Field can play full-back, wing or in the halves.
Leuluai will still play a key role for Wigan in 2022, but Peet is keen not to overload him.
He said: “That’s the plan, in training as well as in games. I am hoping we can stay healthy so we can rotate our senior players.
“Rotation is part of my philosophy, sometimes to freshen up the team to take a different approach some weeks.
“You’ve got to look where he’s at in his career and also Harry and Cade where they’re at, even Logan, so giving Tommy a rest some weeks I think will be smart business.
“I want as many selection headaches as I can, that’s when I’ll start to earn my money.
“The more selection headaches I can have this year, the better it will be for Wigan.”
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Wigan Warriors 2010 Grand Final winners
Matt Peet provides update on Bevan French
Wigan could start the season without Bevan French. The Australian full-back remains in his homeland following his mother’s death.
Peet said: “The last time I spoke to him was immediately after his mum passed. We are very open with him and I said I’d contact him next week.
“From there I’d imagine we’ll start talking about when he’s set to come back once the funeral and matters there are concluded.
“I know he’s keen to get back but we’ve given him a bit of space.
“We’ll make sure he comes in at the right time, fit and healthy.”
Wigan will be without prop Ethan Havard until March. Havard is recovering from an abscess following a back operation in the off-season.
READ MORE: WIN! Fantasy Rugby League 2022 now open
