Wigan boss Matt Peet understands why many want them to lose in a four-way quest

MATT Peet admits he understands why people want Wigan to lose in the Super League play-offs.

Of the three semi-finalists, the Warriors are the only team to have gone all out and won the grand final.

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In fact, in the 28 years the competition has existed there have only been four winners: Wigan, St Helens, Leeds and Bradford.

So the man who wants to make history and lead his club to a quadruple understands why people want Leigh, Warrington or Hull KR to win.

Peet said: “I think there is a need for a new winner, which we understand and accept. We embrace it.

“There’s probably a feeling that anyone but us would be good for the game. That’s okay.

“It’s great for us that we have experience, but there can also be momentum in the game against us.

“That’s the thing about sports, there’s always a team that’s been there before: a champion and a challenger. There’s always a story and we’ve been there as newcomers.

“Every club that remains has a great story and a reason why they want and can become champions. That’s brilliant for the sport.

“Every team has to win it for the first time. Last year we didn’t do it for a while, but we still managed to do it.

“Winning the Super League is a huge task. It is a difficult year, so whoever wins it will be proud and we are no different.”

Wigan take on neighbors Leigh in the biggest Battle of the Borough match possible – Saturday’s semi-final.

Some loyalties may be divided: Olympic gold medalist Keely Hodgkinson trains alongside both clubs, while UFC champion Tom Aspinall uses an octagon at the Warriors’ Robin Park facility.

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But Peet has no doubt his side will have to silence one of the best in the world in Leopards’ hooker Edwin Ipape.

He added: “He is brilliant. I think he is an excellent player.

“From the first time people look at him, you see the physicality he brings to defense. He’s also all action and a constant threat.

“I think he’s as good as anything involving whores on either side of the world.”