Proud Wiganer Matty Peet is on the cusp of glory in his first season as head coach of his hometown club.
But any Challenge Cup success savoured on Saturday will be a family affair - and he insists no different to taking charge of an Under 13s contest. Peet, 38, never played professionally but is an English literature graduate. It’s no wonder his team-talks have helped inspire his side to the final against Huddersfield at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
And just a few months after his shock appointment - most of his career’s been spent coaching Wigan’s scholarship and academy - he’s helped bring back flair and style. His daughters Lily, seven, and Winnie, four, joined him in the victorious semi-final press conference and are getting used to him being recognised around the rugby league-mad town. Cade Cust is their favourite player - “they’ve adopted him” - after the Australian stand-off had his Christmas dinner in the Peet household.
But he maintains his family won’t have seen changes in him since his rapid rise. Peet said: "No, they’ve known me as a rugby league coach for a long time. It’s hard to explain. If you’re coaching a big game at Under 13s you’re still just as excited, tense and into it as when it’s on national television.
“You don't try harder because it’s higher up the ladder. When something matters to you, it just matters. They’re used to me preparing for a game like this. It is just a little bit higher up. Other than people recognising me around and about, which has only just started creeping in, and the media stuff, I don’t think life’s changed all that much.”
If Wigan extend their record Cup tally to 20 with a first success since 2013, Peet will instantly write himself into club folklore. But he’s worked hard on their culture since taking over and will be the last person to court attention. Peet explained: "Tommy Leuluai and our media team brought the kids into that press conference after the semi.
“They love it. And I’m hoping people see my family as I believe the players’ family, the rest of the staff’s family and supporters’ family, is what we want sport and the club to be about. It’s not just the 17 lads on the field. It’s everyone connected and win, lose or draw we go through experiences and emotions together. The players’ wives and girlfriends are often unsung heroes as they sacrifice a lot. We've spoken all season about taking the town on a journey. This is the perfect opportunity.”
And Peet hopes to be smiling come 5pm - especially as he’s been accused of looking permanently miserable on TV! He said: "My missus can’t believe it as it’s so far from the truth! Half the time when I’m shown following a try I’m just hoping it’s not disallowed or I'm furious because someone’s not gone under the sticks. But the lads will tell you at training I enjoy a laugh. I’m not as down in the dumps as I look.”
If they live up to their favourites tag on Saturday, his smile will be as wide as Wigan Pier.
