Matt Peet: Wigan Warriors head coach signs four-year deal with club

Matt Peet's Wigan Warriors are currently top of Super League with two games of the regular season remaining

Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet has signed a new contract to remain with the Super League club for a further four years.

The 39-year-old initially joined Wigan as an academy player before moving into coaching at the club.

He took over from Adrian Lam as the club's head coach in late 2021, winning the Challenge Cup in his first season.

Meanwhile, prop forward Mike Cooper has also signed a new deal to stay with the club for the duration of next season.

'Wigan is in my DNA' - Peet

"The club is in my DNA, and as a leader, my role here is very clear," Peet told the club's website.

"Walking into our environment every day, and seeing the quality of staff and players we have here, we're all committed to striving to be one of the best sporting organisations in the UK, and I'm incredibly proud to extend my time with the club.

"The board have shown great faith in me and I strive every day to repay that trust not just in a winning rugby team but one that represents Wigan with style and integrity."

Having begun his coaching career at Westhoughton and Wigan St Patrick's, Peet returned to the Cherry and Whites and took on the role of head of youth performance.

He briefly crossed codes to work at Sale Sharks before making the short trip back to Wigan to take up the role of assistant head coach.

Peet led the club to victory in his first attempt at silverware as head coach as they defeated Huddersfield Giants at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the 2022 Challenge Cup final.

"We have known for a while that we have a very talented coach on our hands. In a short space of time, Matt has grown into one of the most respected head coaches in Super League," chief executive Kris Radlinski said.

"Our board of directors recognised that Matt being here for four more years on a significant extension is such an important signing in the next evolution of our great club. I look forward to watching his journey unfold."

Cooper commits to another year with Wigan

Cooper's extended deal with Wigan comes as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury sustained in the Good Friday derby with St Helens earlier this year.

The England international underwent surgery following the incident, having made eight appearances at the start of the campaign, but he will now return to the side for 2024 with his new contract.

"When Mike got injured, he was in excellent form and we know he has more quality performances to give in a Wigan shirt - his reaction to such a bad injury has been exemplary," Peet said.

"On an individual level, he has applied himself to the highest standard and is in outstanding physical shape.

"His leadership and commitment to the group have been outstanding and he is affecting our culture positively on a day-to-day basis. I look forward to continuing to work with Mike."