Matt Peet wants the Betfred Super League to be an annual part of the the NRL’s Las Vegas showcase after his Wigan Warriors team stormed to a 48-24 win over Warrington Wolves.
The historic clash at Allegiant Stadium saw the reigning champions produce a dominant display, with tries coming from Tyler Dupree, Abbas Miski, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Jai Field, Jake Wardle, Luke Thompson and Liam Marshall.
It was about more than just the two competition points for Warriors head coach Peet, however, who is eager to ensure Super League capitalises on this exposure after a successful first match at Allegiant Stadium.
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“As a competition, we have to have presence here,” Peet told Sky Sports.
“There is so much going on, so many eyes on the sport and so many relationships being made.
“They might be business ones or fans and players – we have to be part of it.”
After a week of build-up in Sin City which included taking part in a signing session for 10,000 fans on Vegas’ iconic Fremont Street, both teams were keen to make a big impression for both their travelling fans and newcomers to rugby league.
Wigan’s intent to express themselves with the ball in hand was there from the off and player of the match French hoped they showed Super League deserves to share this stage with Australia’s premiere competition.
“We made it clear we wanted to be entertaining for the first time Super League has got the platform to be here,” French told Sky Sports.
“Hopefully we did that and Super League can be back here again next year.
“It wasn’t just attack, it was defence as well and the physical side of things. We’re just glad we got the job done, really.”
It was effectively job done for the Warriors before the hour mark as they found themselves 42-0 up, although Warrington were able to grab four consolation tries.
That frustrated Peet to an extent, yet his overwhelming emotion was pride at how his team conducted themselves off the field as well as on it.
“They rise to the big occasion and enjoy the privilege, and I was confident all week that we would perform,” Peet said.
“There were elements of the second half I wasn’t happy with. Probably the last 20 minutes, but I would have taken this before the game.
“I’m very proud, the lads have been immaculate all week. There has been a lot asked of them, and I’m proud of how they’ve handled everything.”
