Latest news with #MattPeet
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Wigan forward Walters signs contract until 2029
Wigan Warriors forward Sam Walters has signed a new contract with the Super League club until the end of the 2029 moved to Wigan ahead of the 2024 campaign from Leeds Rhinos on a three-year deal and he has since made 28 appearances, including 12 games this season, and scored six 24-year-old, who can operate at both prop or in the second row, has now agreed a new four-year deal."Sam is very professional and I've loved coaching him and of course I'm delighted that we've got him for a further four years," Wigan head coach Matt Peet said, external.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rugby's great wanderer Christian Wade: ‘You don't say no to Wigan'
For a man who has done it all in rugby union and experienced the bright lights of the NFL, the glint in Christian Wade's eye when asked what drew him to a new challenge with Wigan suggests this was an opportunity he couldn't miss. It has been some fortnight for one of the Premiership's all-time greats. His farewell appearance for Gloucester – and perhaps in rugby union altogether – ended with victory against Northampton and two tries. The second of those was a sensational long-range finish in the dying embers of that game which would have caught the eye of any Wigan supporters keenly checking out what their new signing is capable of. Advertisement Related: Christian Wade: 'I see myself in Louis Rees-Zammit, he's facing the same challenges' The following day, he was in a car heading north to begin his new career as a rugby league player. Introductions done on Monday, by Wednesday he was thrust into his first Wigan training session and asked by his head coach, Matt Peet, if he fancied testing himself in a reserve match the following evening despite only two hours on the field learning a new sport. His response? Exactly what you would expect from a player who has made it his business to take risks. 'Obviously,' he said, smiling. 'If not now, when will it be? Let's do it.' So five days removed from a full house at Kingsholm, Wade was now playing in front of a couple of hundred people – which included Peet – in the slightly less glamorous surroundings of Castleford, completing around an hour. A Super League debut may be a while away yet, with Wade pencilled in for a second reserves outing next weekend before Wigan reassess the situation. The 34-year-old is understanding of the fact it will take time to be deemed ready, with few players successfully making the transition from union to league with great success in recent years. Advertisement 'There's been a lot of league people gone into union and become good defence coaches which helps,' he says. 'But the attack side of it … playing in that game last week I was like, which way are we attacking? What are we doing? The shape of the attacks are so different and there are a lot less stoppages – only when you score. But it's good fun. I'm enjoying it.' The transition had been happening even before that hastily arranged debut last week, with Wade revealing he has been watching clips of Wigan for weeks to prepare himself as best as possible. But he admits nothing will steel him for his new challenge better than playing games and being thrust into the thick of it. 'That was a humbling experience at Castleford,' he says. 'But it was exciting to just get out there and play because the season is well under way in league. So it was good to get that baptism of fire and get it out of the way. I'll only be better for that and the next games I play.' League has been on Wade's radar previously. Before attempting to launch an NFL life in 2019 he was sounded out by Toronto Wolfpack, a move that failed to materialise. But having crossed paths with so many Wigan greats throughout his career, and despite holding talks about a new deal with Gloucester, when the Warriors came calling, there was only ever going to be one answer. Advertisement 'They're probably one of the biggest brands in either code of rugby, right?' he says. 'It's Wigan. You don't say no to Wigan. They're the first league team everyone knows. Jason Robinson was my idol. I worked with Shaun Edwards. Then throw guys like Martin Offiah in too. Gloucester were talking about next season but when I spoke to Wigan, their vision just aligned with mine.' But what really appears to excite Wade is that even now, as retirement comes a little closer, he has the chance to start afresh and make an impact in a fresh environment, perhaps underlining why he has been so keen to try new things before. Indeed, Wigan insiders are said to already be impressed with Wade's attitude. 'Making a move like this means you can't be complacent because you have to come in and try and earn the respect of a whole new group of people,' Wade says. 'I'm trying to learn this game and I don't want to be the guy who lets the team down, and I've got to set the standard. 'It's exciting. It's not that I was bored of what happened before, I'll always give 110%. But I love new challenges and I am better for the experiences I've had before, too. It all sets me up for this great opportunity.' Advertisement Clearly, given Wade's rollercoaster career, the door can never fully be shut on a return to union. But if this is the end, does he leave with any regrets? 'Absolutely not. It's not been straightforward; people will always see the successes but they don't know what happens behind closed doors. 'I pride myself on my career. I've busted doors open to make sure I make the most of every opportunity. That will be no different here. The story is still being written too.' Wade's short-term deal only lasts until the end of the Super League season in October. What happens beyond that? 'Let's just see how it goes,' he insists. 'It's open-ended. I haven't planned to do six months here then go back to union. Similarly, I haven't thought I'll do this, sign an extension or go to another Super League team. Let's just enjoy the ride.'
The Guardian
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Rugby's great wanderer Christian Wade: ‘You don't say no to Wigan'
For a man who has done it all in rugby union and experienced the bright lights of the NFL, the glint in Christian Wade's eye when asked what drew him to a new challenge with Wigan suggests this was an opportunity he couldn't miss. It has been some fortnight for one of the Premiership's all-time greats. His farewell appearance for Gloucester – and perhaps in rugby union altogether – ended with victory against Northampton and two tries. The second of those was a sensational long-range finish in the dying embers of that game which would have caught the eye of any Wigan supporters keenly checking out what their new signing is capable of. The following day, he was in a car heading north to begin his new career as a rugby league player. Introductions done on Monday, by Wednesday he was thrust into his first Wigan training session and asked by his head coach, Matt Peet, if he fancied testing himself in a reserve match the following evening despite only two hours on the field learning a new sport. His response? Exactly what you would expect from a player who has made it his business to take risks. 'Obviously,' he said, smiling. 'If not now, when will it be? Let's do it.' So five days removed from a full house at Kingsholm, Wade was now playing in front of a couple of hundred people – which included Peet – in the slightly less glamorous surroundings of Castleford, completing around an hour. A Super League debut may be a while away yet, with Wade pencilled in for a second reserves outing next weekend before Wigan reassess the situation. The 34-year-old is understanding of the fact it will take time to be deemed ready, with few players successfully making the transition from union to league with great success in recent years. 'There's been a lot of league people gone into union and become good defence coaches which helps,' he says. 'But the attack side of it … playing in that game last week I was like, which way are we attacking? What are we doing? The shape of the attacks are so different and there are a lot less stoppages – only when you score. But it's good fun. I'm enjoying it.' The transition had been happening even before that hastily arranged debut last week, with Wade revealing he has been watching clips of Wigan for weeks to prepare himself as best as possible. But he admits nothing will steel him for his new challenge better than playing games and being thrust into the thick of it. 'That was a humbling experience at Castleford,' he says. 'But it was exciting to just get out there and play because the season is well under way in league. So it was good to get that baptism of fire and get it out of the way. I'll only be better for that and the next games I play.' League has been on Wade's radar previously. Before attempting to launch an NFL life in 2019 he was sounded out by Toronto Wolfpack, a move that failed to materialise. But having crossed paths with so many Wigan greats throughout his career, and despite holding talks about a new deal with Gloucester, when the Warriors came calling, there was only ever going to be one answer. 'They're probably one of the biggest brands in either code of rugby, right?' he says. 'It's Wigan. You don't say no to Wigan. They're the first league team everyone knows. Jason Robinson was my idol. I worked with Shaun Edwards. Then throw guys like Martin Offiah in too. Gloucester were talking about next season but when I spoke to Wigan, their vision just aligned with mine.' But what really appears to excite Wade is that even now, as retirement comes a little closer, he has the chance to start afresh and make an impact in a fresh environment, perhaps underlining why he has been so keen to try new things before. Indeed, Wigan insiders are said to already be impressed with Wade's attitude. 'Making a move like this means you can't be complacent because you have to come in and try and earn the respect of a whole new group of people,' Wade says. 'I'm trying to learn this game and I don't want to be the guy who lets the team down, and I've got to set the standard. 'It's exciting. It's not that I was bored of what happened before, I'll always give 110%. But I love new challenges and I am better for the experiences I've had before, too. It all sets me up for this great opportunity.' Clearly, given Wade's rollercoaster career, the door can never fully be shut on a return to union. But if this is the end, does he leave with any regrets? 'Absolutely not. It's not been straightforward; people will always see the successes but they don't know what happens behind closed doors. 'I pride myself on my career. I've busted doors open to make sure I make the most of every opportunity. That will be no different here. The story is still being written too.' Wade's short-term deal only lasts until the end of the Super League season in October. What happens beyond that? 'Let's just see how it goes,' he insists. 'It's open-ended. I haven't planned to do six months here then go back to union. Similarly, I haven't thought I'll do this, sign an extension or go to another Super League team. Let's just enjoy the ride.'
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Rugby league's first knight, Sir Billy Boston, can inspire today's generation
RUGBY league's first ever knight, Sir Billy Boston, is as relevant to today's generation at Wigan as he was his own, boss Matt Peet believes. The Welsh wonder was confirmed as the 13-a-side code's inaugural Sir in 130 years of existence in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace today. After scoring 571 tries in 564 career appearances following a £3,000 switch after playing for Pontypridd and Neath RU, the 90-year-old has inspired many since. And Peet, who has had Boston in speaking to his side, feels the way he conquered adversity, including racism, can apply now. He said: 'There are always lessons to learn from the past and in that era in sport there were trailblazers who faced tough conditions and treatment. 'There's no doubt that paved the way for other people and Billy certainly falls into the category of being an unstoppable force. No matter what people thought of race or class during that time, he let his rugby do the talking. 'I don't think Billy's that comfortable speaking about his own achievements, but he's a huge presence. He's part of the team at Wigan. 'When I say to fans, 'Who's your favourite?' It's almost like, 'It's Billy, then we'll talk about everyone else.' 'He's an iconic figure and to consider him a friend and speak to him at games is a privilege. Hopefully there's more to come for the game.' The man from Tiger Bay has three statues - at Wigan, Wembley and Cardiff Bay. Little wonder for a trailblazer, the first non-white player to be selected by Great Britain to tour Australia and New Zealand in 1954. He won 32 caps, scoring 25 tries, and helped them win the World Cup in 1960, as well as Ashes Series against Australia at home in 1956/1957 and 1959/1960, and away in 1962. Boston scooped seven major honours at Wigan - for whom he scored 478 tries in 488 games, including three or more on 51 occasions - records that remain intact. 3 Yet after hanging up his boots, many more followed. An MBE came in 1996 after he was inducted into the Rugby League and the Welsh Sports Halls of Fame. He became an honorary freeman of Wigan in 2000 and received BBC Wales' Elite Lifetime Achievement award in 2016. Warriors owner Mike Danson said: 'One of the biggest thrills in my ownership has been enjoying the company of Billy Boston. 'Without doubt, he was - and still is - the biggest crowd favourite in rugby league. 'He is my mum Jean's favourite player - they are of the same age! She remains in awe of the great man and his legacy. 3 'I am thrilled that at long last Billy will be appointed as rugby league's first knight! A richly deserved honour which means this most humble of men rightly receives at last fitting recognition.' Another legend, Ellery Hanley, added: 'Billy was super world class. He had gone beyond anything else and what anyone else has done. His exploits on the field were remarkable – he was dynamite in every aspect of the game.' Congratulations also came from Boston's homeland as Wales Rugby League chairman James Davies said: "He has inspired so many and it's part of our responsibility to ensure his story will continue to do so for years to come.' Josh Simons, the MP for Makerfield, where Sir Billy lives, said: 'I'm so proud that Billy, my constituent, a hero of rugby league, will now be Sir Billy Boston. Presenting Billy with a letter about his knighthood was an emotional moment. 'Billy is a remarkable man.'
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wigan's Miski out for two months
Wigan Warriors winger Abbas Miski is set to miss the next two months of the season after having surgery on a his 29-year-old has been playing with the injury for the past month as the Warriors opted to delay his Lebanon international has made six appearances this season, including most recently during the Magic Weekend win against Warrington Wolves."He's been flying and playing really well but he's been playing through incredible pain and struggling to get around in between games," boss Matt Peet said."It's the right thing to do to get this procedure done and it means we should get a better version of him coming in for the back end of the year."Peet said that Wigan have sufficient cover behind Miski and will cope with his absence leading into the summer."With Jacob Douglas or Zach Eckersley we've got a bit of depth there and Josh Cartwright has done a good job out on loan and Nathan Lowe is back healthy as well," he said."We can't complain. We're in good shape but Abbas will certainly be missed."
