St Helens’ forwards were ‘way too powerful’ says Wigan coach following ‘unacceptable’ performance 

Matt Peet admitted that St Helens’ middles were way too powerful in a display that saw Wigan suffer a 34-16 defeat at the Totally Wicked Stadium. 

It was a dominant performance in the end from Paul Wellens’ side, with full-back Jack Welsby running the show on his 100th St Helens appearance.

The England international crossed twice in the victory alongside a brace from winger Tommy Makinson.

Back-rower Joe Batchelor opened the scoring, with interchange prop Agnatius Paasi scoring his first of the season in the second half.

St Helens found easy metres through the middle, with Alex Walmsley, Matty Lees, Curtis Sironen, Batchelor and Morgan Knowles all starting, and Sione Mata’utia, Paasi and James Bell featuring from the bench.

“I don’t think we did ourselves justice,” Peet said post-match.

“I thought St Helens were very good. There were times where we went toe to toe and we held our own.

“But the middle section of the game, Saints were way too powerful.

“There was always the opportunity that would happen with the strength they had on the bench, they had a very powerful bench. And that’s how it played out.”

Matt Peet labels performance unacceptable

Having returned to action during Magic Weekend, Jai Field was named at his preferred position of full-back, with Bevan French swapping to play alongside Harry Smith in the halves.

Despite having their two key men on the field, Wigan were limited to just three tries, with both Australian speedsters crossing in the first half, while Abbas Miski scored a late consolation four-pointer.

Peet admitted the performance was unacceptable, with a revised 17,088 in attendance on Friday night.

“Ultimately I thought even when we were alright defensively, with the ball, we looked pretty poor,” the Wigan coach said.

“Every team goes through these periods. We’ve not made a big thing of it, but it’s clear that some players are not there. But it’s never an excuse.

“It hurts our fans and it hurts us. We’re in it together. We know it’s tough for them and it’s tough for us.

“These derby games are important to the club and it can’t be accepted.

“It’s a long turnaround into Warrington. Obviously we’ve got things to fix up.

“It was a physical game, so the lads will recover properly, but we’ve got to get some work done.

“When you are in a little bit of a dip, the only way to get out of it is to keep going, keep working hard and trust one another and that’s what we’re going to do.

“As far as big picture is concerned, there’s not too much yet to worry about.”

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