Peet credits Wakefield and backs Wigan players after treble bid ends

Matt Peet has expressed pride in Wigan Warriors' season while acknowledging that Wakefield Trinity comprehensively outplayed his side in their Super League play-off semi-final. Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after Saturday's 33-6 defeat, the Wigan head coach said the disappointment of elimination did not diminish his regard for the players or what they had achieved.

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Wigan had already collected the Challenge Cup and League Leaders' Shield and were pursuing their second domestic treble in three years. They entered the semi-final with 16 consecutive wins behind them. Instead, their campaign ended one match short of a fourth successive Grand Final appearance, after winning two of the previous three title deciders.

According to BBC Sport's report of his comments, Peet said a fuller assessment of the season would come in a few weeks. He acknowledged Wigan had fallen below their standards, but credited Wakefield's performance for exposing those shortcomings. His assessment extended across the game: although Wigan had expected a difficult contest, they were beaten in every area.

BBC Sport's match report described how the visitors turned a narrow half-time advantage into a decisive victory. Brad O'Neill's try and Adam Keighran's conversion gave Wigan the opening six points, but those proved to be their only scores. Tom Johnstone replied for Wakefield, who went into the interval leading 8-6 before extending their control after the break.

Keighran's second-half yellow card was a damaging moment for the hosts. Johnstone, Jack Sinfield and Corey Hall each scored while the Wigan centre was off the field. Ky Rodwell also crossed as Wakefield finished with five tries, with Max Jowitt kicking six goals and Mason Lino adding a drop-goal. Trinity scored 33 points without reply.

The result sent Wakefield into their first Super League Grand Final, where they will meet Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford on 3 October. For Peet and Wigan, the immediate outcome is an end to their pursuit of a third trophy in 2026, alongside the two titles they had already secured.