Luke Thompson ‘a pleasure to work with’ says head coach as Wigan Warriors prop continues to impress

The 29-year-old made more metres than any other forward in the capital as Wigan claimed an 18-8 triumph over Warrington Wolves to lift a record-extending 21st Challenge Cup.

And the former St Helens and Canterbury Bulldogs forward impressed again less than a week later as the Warriors came from behind to pick up the two Super League points on offer at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle to sit joint-top of the table with rivals Saints.

“He’s a pleasure to work with,” head coach Peet said.

“He’s another one of those players, like Liam Farrell, where what you see on the field is a product of meticulous preparation, a lot of sacrifice and dedication.

“He trains himself into conditions to play like that week in, week out.”

Meanwhile, off-season recruit Sam Walters made only his third appearance of the season in the hard-fought win, with Peet insisting he will only get ‘better and better’ with more minutes on the field.

The towering 23-year-old replaced Junior Nsemba on the right edge and produced a performance that included 19 carries and 123 metres - the most of any forward - as well as a try-saving tackle on Innes Senior in the first half.

Walters suffered a broken collarbone during the pre-season clash against Hull FC, and marked his senior return in the Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Hull KR, while he also started in the 19-18 win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium the week before the final.

“He deserved it and he was ready for it,” Peet said of Walters’ start against the Tigers.

“I thought he was excellent. He played tough with and without the ball.

“He’s another who I think will get better and better.

"I thought it was a good week to take Junior out, there has been a lot of intense rugby for a young lad, and emotionally as well.

“Sam was ready to go. We got the win and Sam got a taste, Junior gets a rest and we move on. The rotation of the squad is a strength of ours.”