Wigan Warriors: Matt Peet unconvinced by red card to Joe Shorrocks; head coach ‘proud’ of players in Challenge Cup defeat

Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet was unconvinced by Joe Shorrocks’ sending-off in the Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to Hull KR at Headingley Stadium.

The 23-year-old utility forward was only introduced to the action ahead of the second half restart from the interchange bench and was sent off less than 60 seconds later for a high shot on makeshift opposition full-back Mikey Lewis.

Lewis, 22, was initially named on the bench for the Robins ahead of kick-off, only for Ryan Hall to pull out during the warm-up, forcing Willie Peters into a reshuffle.

Ethan Ryan switched from full-back to the wing, with Yusuf Aydin promoted to the bench, despite Jimmy Keinhorst being named as 18th man.

The sending off by Liam Moore was a crucial moment in the semi-final showdown, with current and former players sharing their disagreement on social media following the incident.

It saw Wigan play the majority of the second half with 12-men, only falling to a golden point drop-goal defeat with Brad Schneider kicking the winner in only his second game in England following his move from Canberra Raiders.

Peet also appeared to question the appointment of Wigan-based referee Moore, with Hull KR now set to face Leigh Leopards at Wembley Stadium in the Challenge Cup final later next month.

Matt Peet reacts to Challenge Cup defeat 

“It wasn’t just that call – there were a few things,” Peet said post match.

“There’s a partisan crowd and with a ref from Wigan who probably feels under the spotlight you’re probably going to get things like that.

“I just think it (the red card) was a massive call and I wonder if, if that had been a sin-bin, would everyone have been saying should it be a red? It was a big call to make at that point.”

Having said the same on the BBC following the televised defeat for last year’s Challenge Cup winners, Peet reiterated how proud he was of the players’ commitment.

Jai Field scored the side’s only try in the first half, with Harry Smith converting the four-pointer and adding two penalty kicks.

He continued: “Obviously it hurts that we don’t get to go to Wembley but I’m proud of the players.

“It was a fantastic game to be involved in, a proper semi-final and credit to Hull KR.

“I can’t question anyone’s effort.

“There will be moments we look back and wish we’d done differently, but in terms of our effort the fans know they’ve seen a committed team and one they can be proud of.”

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