Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet insists that the side’s new combinations will grow following a laboured 10-8 Super League victory over Castleford Tigers, believing the Wembley win played no part in the Round 14 fixture.
The Cherry and Whites travelled to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle just less than a week after their Challenge Cup triumph and were forced to fight from 8-4 behind to claim the two points on offer, with Liam Marshall crossing twice on his 150th Super League appearance – while Tex Hoy and two Rowan Milnes penalty goals gave the hosts their lead.
Bevan French moved to full-back to replace the injured Jai Field, while Ryan Hampshire made only his fifth appearance of the season to partner Harry Smith in the halves.
Peet revealed that his outfit had only trained on the field for 40 minutes in the lead up to the clash, insisting that the new combinations will grow with Field set for a spell on the sidelines.
“We’ve not trained much this week for obvious reasons. The lads will get used to one another, we’ll practise and we’ll look at video.
Marshall’s brace at The Jungle made it 15 tries of the Super League season, but Peet would not be drawn on his player’s chances of making the England squad later this month with an international match against France.
“I never really like commenting on the England squad because Shaun Wane has got enough people telling him what to do,” Peet commented.
“Liam’s been in the mix before, he’s in good form, but there’s some good wingers in Super League.
“To be considered a top winger these days you’ve got to score tries, but work hard at your own end and chase kicks hard. I think Marshy does all that and more.”