Wigan Warriors are the dominant force in English Rugby League currently and that in largely thanks to the work done by head coach, Matt Peet. Given the club’s success, it is inevitable that Peet would begin to attract interest from rival clubs.
Wigan have swept the board in the last 12 months, with their Challenge Cup success claiming the missing trophy in a clean sweep of all available silverware. The fact that Peet has achieved this by the tender age of 40 makes the achievement doubly impressive.
Now, Peet has been forced to address speculation linking him to a vacancy in the NRL. Whilst no English coach has held a head coaching role in the competition, a number of Peet’s contemporaries such as Brian McDermott, Steve McNazmara and Lee Briers have been linked with vacancies in recent months.
As things are, if feels like it is just a matter of time before an English coach lands a top job in the NRL.
Wigan Warriors boss addresses Parramatta Eels links
Earlier today, Peet was linked with a move to the NRL in the Australian press. Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Andrew Johns described Peet as an outside candidate for the role, stating:
“A left-of-centre candidate. Rumours are circulating that Peet is interested in the Eels position, even though he’s extended his deal at Wigan.
“Peet has proven himself to be an elite coach in a short amount of time. He’s in his third season at the helm of the Warriors and already won a Challenge Cup, Super League title and beaten Penrith in the World Club Challenge, and picked up coach of the year honours.
“It’s little wonder Wigan gave him a seven-year extension taking him until the end of 2030.
“Tactically astute and loved by his players, Peet will coach in the NRL one day.”
Now, speaking in Wigan Today, Peet has moved to distance himself from these links. In a short statement, he rubbished claims he would leave Wigan to join the NRL. Peet said:
“I think it’s bound to happen because the team is playing well. But it’s of no interest to me.”
Wigan travel to Castleford on Friday night and will be hoping to open a gap between themselves and St Helens at the top of the table.