Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet has explained why he took the decision to withdraw both Bevan French and Adam Keighran in the second half of the win over Wakefield Trinity.
The Warriors produced a dominant performance to sweep aside Wakefield with ease at the Brick Community Stadium, winning 44-2 to move back into Super League’s top two. The return of Bevan French, who had missed the last seven games prior to Sunday’s outing, was pivotal in the first half with the Australian having a hand in all three tries.
The playmaker claimed an assist for the first, scored by Keighran, before getting over himself and setting up Zach Eckersley. His return brought the best out of Wigan as a whole and with the game won, he was taken off with around 15 minutes to go.
However, French watched the final minutes of the contest alongside Keighran, who stepped out of the action shortly before French did with some concern that he might have picked up an injury.
Peet has moved to clarify why both men left the field, though, and allay fears of any setbacks.
“I asked our S and C and medical if it would be handy to get him off and the answer was pretty quick that yeah, it would obviously,” Peet said on French being taken off. “He’s had a spike in his volume of training recently after a bit of time out so we were in a position to get him off.
“They were having a look at [Keighran’s] knee at half-time and I thought I might have to bring him off then but he’s very stable.
“They don’t think there’s an injury but he was in pain. Again, once we got the opportunity to bring him off, we took it. I don’t think it’s anything too big of a deal.”
On the game itself and the impact of the returning French, Peet added: “I thought it was a balanced performance. Great to have Bevan back out there but I thought across the park we were certainly better with the ball.
“We did the basics much better which then gave us opportunities to show the talent that we’ve got.
“There’s no denying it, he [French] comes up with moments of brilliance. But there’s simplicity to those plays as well, the balance he gives our kicking game and some of the kick chase efforts that he made, they have a knock on effect on Harry and Jai and the rest of the team. It’s great to have him back but there’s plenty of improvement in us yet.”
Wigan Warriors ready for the challenge
Wigan Warriors are now two points clear of the chasing pack and four behind Hull KR with four more fixtures remaining. Catalans Dragons are next up on Wigan’s schedule before they face off against St Helens in what looks set to be a four-pointer, Castleford Tigers and fellow top two chasers Leeds Rhinos.
Peet knows how tough the next month could be, but after seeing his side demolish Wakefield, he’s optimistic that his side are ready for the challenge ahead.
“I hope we are,” Peet said. “I think today looked like a positive step.
“I’ve seen what we’ve been building over the last few weeks and months but I thought we had a bit more balance about us today and we have to take another forward step next week. To be honest the opposition isn’t my main concern, it’s making sure that my team are best prepared to show what they’re capable of.”
