Wigan’s Matty Peet follows unusual route in search of Challenge Cup glory

Matty Peet with his players after Wigan’s victory in the Challenge Cup semis that secured them a place in the final against Huddersfield Photograph: Richard Sellers/PA

The amateur club Westhoughton Lions could hardly be more different from the occasion Matty Peet will be faced with in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final, but ask the Wigan Warriors coach about his unconventional route to the rugby league summit and he would almost certainly tell you both ends of his story are equally important.

Barely six months after being unveiled as Wigan’s new head coach, Peet is one win away from securing the Challenge Cup for rugby league’s most famous club for a record-extending 20th occasion. While most head coaches fall into the role after a distinguished playing career, Peet’s own time as a professional barely extended beyond a short stint as a reserves player with Leigh Centurions.