Family guy Matt adds gloss to Warriors

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 today will be a family affair – and he insists no different to taking charge of an Under-13s match.

Peet, 38, never played professionally but is an English literature graduate.

It is no wonder his teamtalks have helped inspire Wigan to the final against Huddersfield Giants 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 has helped bring back flair and style.

Peet’s daughters – Winnie, four, and Lily, seven – joined him in the victorious semifinal press conference (right) and are getting used to him being recognised around the rugby league-mad town.

Cade Cust (circle) is their favourite player – “they’ve adopted him” – after the Australian stand-off had his Christmas dinner in the Peet household.

But Peet maintains his family will not have seen changes in him since his rapid rise.

“No, they’ve known me as a rugby league coach for a long time,” he said. “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 has worked hard on their culture since taking over and will be the last person to court attention.

“Tommy Leuluai and our media team brought the kids into that press conference after the semi,” Peet ex- plained. “They love it. And

I’m hoping people see my family as the players’ family, the rest of the staff ’s family and supporters’ family.

“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 about taking the town on a journey. This is the perfect opportunity.”

And Peet (with Ethan Havard and Liam Byrne after semi-final glory, below) hopes to be smiling come 5pm – especially as he has been accused of looking miserable on TV!

“My missus can’t believe it as it’s so far from the truth!” he added. “But the lads will tell you I enjoy a laugh. I’m not as down in the

dumps as I look.” 6th rd, Mar 27: Barrow (a), won 30-16