Wigan coach Matt Peet praises Steve McNamara’s impact on Catalans

Wigan head coach Matt Peet has praised Steve McNamara and his positive impact on Catalans ahead of their Super League clash.

McNamara was appointed the club’s head coach in 2017 and has gone on to enjoy success with the Dragons.

They won their first ever trophy in 2018, lifting the Challenge Cup following success over Warrington at Wembley.

The former England boss then led the side to their first ever League Leaders’ Shield in 2021. They went on to appear in their first Grand Final, falling just short to St Helens at Old Trafford.

The Perpignan-based side host Wigan on Saturday in round five of Super League, and McNamara’s opposition coach had lots of praise in his pre-match press conference.

Matt Peet: “He’s someone who I hold in high esteem’

“I think Steve McNamara deserves an unbelievable amount of credit,” Peet said.

“Many coaches have tried in the past there to get consistency into Catalans but it’s Steve who has been the one to crack it and build the right culture and recruit the right people. 

“I think the job he’s done there shouldn’t be underestimated. 

“I’m happy for them to get success because when I’ve been coaching at different levels with England and academy, he’s always made time for me. 

“He’s someone who I hold in high esteem as a coach and as a person. All the players who have ever worked with him just rate him as a class bloke.”

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Catalans ended Warrington’s winning start to the 2022 season in round four with a 24-18 score at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, and Peet is aware of the talent within their squad.

The Wigan boss particularly credited the French players within the Dragons following their win over Daryl Powell’s side.

He said: “We know the Catalan players really well. We know Sam (Tomkins) obviously. We could speak all day at this club about how much we rate Sam and the quality he’s got. I think he’s right up there with the best player in the competition.

“We know with Sam that he’s not just a quality player, but a class act. He’ll be working hard to make sure they’re well prepared.

“He’s one of a few. Tom Davies in there making big metres. Micky (McIlorum), he’s their tempo line speed and aggression. Mitchell Pearce and Josh Drinkwater are an outstanding half-back combination with great skill and a great kicking game.

“Kasiano comes off the bench and troubles you with all sorts of great balance in his game with great size and skills.

“I could go on. I think what makes them a special team at the moment though I believe is some of the French talent they’ve got.

“Personally, I think the lads who played against Warrington did the club proud and if they are to drop out the squad, it’ll inspire the players coming in to make sure they do the shirt justice.”

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