Wigan Warriors boss hails Super League Dream Team duo - 'He deserves this recognition'

Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has hailed Zach Eckersley and Brad O’Neill after the pair were named in the Super League Dream Team for the first time.

Eckersley has enjoyed a stellar campaign on the wing after being handed the number two shirt ahead of this season, scoring 36 tries in 31 appearances across all competitions.

“Zach’s worked really hard on himself,” Peet told Wigan Today. “Credit to the strength and conditioning team at Wigan - they’ve challenged him and pushed him, and he’s responded well.

“He’s got that physicality to his game now... He’s always been a very talented and well-rounded player, so he deserves this recognition, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy that.”

The 22-year-old’s work carrying the ball out of his own end has also been an important part of his development.

“I think any young outside-back has got to come to terms with that part of the game,” said Peet.

“When you are young and a bit lighter, it’s more difficult, but he’s developed himself physically, and you’d imagine that he’ll continue to do that with each pre-season that he has.”

O’Neill, meanwhile, has been a consistent performer at hooker, starting all 30 of his appearances this year.

“He got the Players’ Player (of the Year award) at the weekend and that says it all about what his teammates think of him,” said Peet.

“He is another player who has been very consistent. His defensive side and the energy that he brings to the team are clear to see - but the skill in the service that he provides to the team, he works really hard on that, and it’s paying him back.”

Adam Keighran was also recognised at the club’s annual awards night, being named Player of the Year after scoring 20 tries and kicking 133 goals in 29 appearances.

“He’s been consistent throughout the season,” said Peet.

“I think the way he’s dealt with changing players around him... There’s been times when his half has been different, his back-rower has been different and his winger has been different.

“He’s been a mainstay on that side and he’s made sure our right edge has been firing, so I’m really proud of his form this year, and he certainly deserves that award.”