Wigan Warriors v Wakefield Trinity: Matt Peet previews Super League semi-final with Grand Final spot at stake

The Warriors welcome Wakefield to the Brick Community Stadium knowing victory would secure their place in next Saturday’s Grand Final at Old Trafford against Warrington Wolves.

Warrington defeated Leeds Rhinos in Friday night’s other semi-final to book their place in the showpiece.

Wigan have already lifted the Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield this year and are now aiming to complete a second treble in three seasons.

Wakefield, meanwhile, have reached the semi-finals for the first time in Super League history after another impressive campaign under coach Daryl Powell.

Peet has been impressed by the progress made by the West Yorkshire club in recent years and expects a difficult test on Saturday night.

“I think for a few years now since Matt (Ellis, owner) and Daryl took over, they’ve been superb as a club in how they’ve built on and off the field,” said Peet.

“Their recruitment is smart - some good overseas lads, but also some quality young British players, and the style of players - it’s got a lot to it, hasn’t it?

“Some big, powerful athletes, and a really detailed attacking shape as well, so there is a lot for us to contend with, but I think they certainly deserve to be in the semi-final and will be very determined to go one further. They’ve been outstanding all season.”

While Wigan have plenty of big-game experience within their squad, Peet does not believe Wakefield’s lack of previous Super League semi-final experience will necessarily count against them.

“I just think whichever team plays best will win,” said Peet. “Past things are there to be overturned or broken, so I don’t pay too much attention to that.

“I just know that we’ll have to be excellent to progress because Wakefield are a high-quality team and they’ll be coming very confident.”

Peet has also been impressed by the balance in Powell’s side, particularly their ability to combine power with an effective attacking game.

“To be honest, I think it’s the fact that they are balanced,” he said. “They are powerful athletes, but as ever with teams that Daryl coaches, their attacking shape has got great detail.

“They’re always willing to move the ball, but they’ve got the ability to come straight over the top of you as well.

“I think that’s just them being a very good team, but I like the balance of their team. I think they’ve recruited smart, they’ve got a good game model and they’re a very good team.”

Peet also believes Wakefield’s route to the semi-final is a reflection of the work done behind the scenes at the club.

“It’s just a credit to what Wakefield have built,” he said. “I don’t think anyone is in the slightest bit surprised to see them in these games - I don’t think anyone would be surprised to see them in a Grand Final with the way they have built the team and the club.

“They deserve to be there (in the semi-final), and they’ll be determined to go one stage further, and if they do achieve that, they’ll deserve it with everything they’ve done, led by the owner and a fantastic coach, so we’re going to have to be very good.”