Peet: Play-off exit 'hurts' but proud of Wigan after Wakefield semi-final defeat

Wigan head coach Matt Peet said the play-off exit "hurts" but that he was proud of his players after Wakefield Trinity beat Wigan in Saturday's Super League play-off semi-final at Wigan. He conceded Wakefield were "far too good" for his side.

Wigan had been seeking a fourth consecutive Super League Grand Final appearance after winning two of the past three, and arrived at the semi-final aiming for a second domestic treble in three years. The club had already lifted the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders' Shield and carried a 16-match winning run into the contest, but the defeat ended their hopes of a third trophy in 2026.

Hosts Wigan took the lead in the first half through Brad O'Neill's converted try, but Wakefield produced 33 unanswered points either side of the interval to secure a 33-6 victory. That scoring sequence left Wakefield with a clear winning margin and ended Wigan's run in the play-offs.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after the loss, Peet said: "I'm always proud of the group." He added: "We'll be disappointed with the way it's finished and the time to reflect will be in a few weeks, but I'm proud of the group. "This hurts, but it's sport."

Peet paid direct tribute to Wakefield's performance, saying: "The night 100% belongs to Wakefield." He continued: "Any time the season finishes, it's sad, but in that manner... we were off but Wakefield played excellent, which made us look that way." He also stated: "We were well beaten in every facet of the game and credit goes to Wakefield. We were prepared for a tough game but they were far too good for us."

The win sent Wakefield through to their first-ever Grand Final. Wakefield will face Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday, 3 October (18:00 BST).