Breaking Today: Wigan Warriors coach explains absence of key men with rotation insight given as youngsters ‘earn’ their chance
Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has addressed the recent absence of several key first-team players, offering clarity on his rotation strategy and explaining why a number of younger squad members were given the opportunity to step up. With the club navigating a demanding stretch of fixtures, Peet insists that giving young talent a chance is both a necessity and a reward for their hard work behind the scenes.
The omission of senior figures such as Liam Farrell, Bevan French, and Brad O’Neill in Wigan’s latest matchday squad prompted questions from fans and pundits alike. However, Peet was quick to calm concerns, revealing that the decision was part of a calculated move to manage player workloads and keep the squad fresh for the long campaign ahead.
“We’ve got a busy schedule and it’s about protecting players and keeping the group healthy for the long haul,” Peet said. “There’s no injury crisis or disciplinary issues. This is just sensible squad rotation. We trust our depth and believe this is the right time to reward some of the young lads who have been performing well in training.”
Indeed, the spotlight fell on several up-and-coming players who were handed valuable minutes on the field. Youngsters like Harvie Hill, Junior Nsemba, and Jack Farrimond were given the nod, and according to Peet, they’ve earned their places not through default, but through consistent performance and commitment.
“These young men have worked incredibly hard,” Peet added. “When you train at the intensity we do, and you see players consistently meeting standards or pushing those ahead of them, you have to give them their opportunity. This is about growth, competition, and preparing the next wave of Wigan talent.”
The move aligns with Wigan’s long-standing tradition of producing homegrown stars, with the club historically investing heavily in its youth system. The latest wave of academy graduates appears to be no exception, and Peet’s willingness to throw them into key fixtures suggests he sees real promise in the club’s future.
Fans responded positively to the changes, with many praising the club’s long-term vision. While the absence of big names was initially surprising, the strong performances from younger players softened the blow and reinforced faith in the coaching staff’s direction.
Wigan’s recent form remains strong, and the Warriors continue to sit near the top of the Super League table. With the playoff race intensifying, Peet emphasized that intelligent squad management would be vital, especially with the Challenge Cup and league fixtures overlapping in coming weeks.
“We want to be competitive on all fronts, and to do that, you need a full squad contributing. The experienced lads will come back fresh, and the youngsters will benefit from the exposure. It’s a win-win.”
