Matt Peet believes off-season Saints recruit has ‘added a new dimension to attack’

Paul Wellens’ squad have lost just once in 2024 - a round four home defeat to Salford Red Devils after a red card to Mark Percival - with wins over London Broncos, Huddersfield Giants, Leigh Leopards and Leeds Rhinos to date in the Super League campaign.

They also sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup with a 20-6 win at Headingley Stadium against Rohan Smith’s Rhinos.

Wigan and Saints go head-to-head for Rivals Round on Good Friday, with a capacity crowd of around 18,000 confirmed for the Totally Wicked Stadium.

And Peet knows all about the opposition’s threats with 15 international representatives in their current squad - including nine for England.

Previewing St Helens, Peet said: “You look across their spine, with Daryl Clark, Jack Welsby, Jonny Lomax and Lewis Dodd, it's pretty much an England spine so I think you've got to look first and foremost at that.

“I think the way Jonny and Jack can link up is obviously a real threat and Daz Clark has probably added a new dimension to their attack that they've not had for a while.

“But that sits behind an outstandingly hard-working pack, a very powerful front-row, and just a hard-working group of players that understand their club's DNA and turn up and work hard every week.”

Peet believes off-season signing Clark was always going to make an impact in Red V, replacing legend James Roby in the number nine role following the captain’s retirement at the end of 2023.

Hooker Clark has crossed for two tries in six appearances so far this campaign, having made the switch following nine seasons with Warrington Wolves.

Peet continued: “James (Roby) at the back end of his career had unbelievable strengths in his game - his leadership, distribution and work rate.

“His running game probably wasn't as electric as it had been earlier in his career but obviously with Daryl, that's his main strength.”

Reflecting on his own squad, the 39-year-old Wigan head coach has been impressed by the start of rising star Brad O’Neill.

The 21-year-old received the number nine shirt for 2024, replacing Sam Powell, and has been a stand-out in the early stages of the season, playing every game in the unbeaten start to the season.

Contracted until the end of 2027, O’Neill also played a huge part in the record-equalling World Club Challenge victory over Penrith Panthers earlier in February at the DW Stadium.

“He's been good,” Peet said of O’Neill.

"I think he's gone up a level, certainly from last year where he started the year as back-up and edged his way into that number nine shirt, but I think this year he has cemented himself as our starting number nine.

"I think there's exciting times ahead for Brad but he works very hard so he deserves them with the form that he's in.”