WIGAN WARRIORS coach Matt Peet was full of praise for Liam Farrell after returning from injury just days after announcing he would be retiring at the end of the season.

Farrell was named on the bench against Catalans after missing the last ten matches with a shoulder problem he picked up in the win over Hull FC back in June.

His introduction on Friday was met with thunderous applause and the cheers only got louder when he scored Wigan’s fourth try of the first half on the hooter as Wigan cantered to the League Leaders’ Shield.

Before the game, Farrell and his team-mates wore specially made T-shirts with a picture of the Warriors captain on the front and ‘Faz 12’ on the back.

Peet admitted the attention was sat uncomfortably with Farrell, but they felt it was right to honour his career, while the head coach also revealed that he remains fully in his plans for their semi-final and possibly Grand Final appearances.

“We had it in mind,” said Peet when asked if it was always the plan to bring Farrell back for this game.

“He did have to get the relevant clearance and ultimately it was a discussion between me and Faz once we got that clearance.

“I was always really keen to get him back in the 17. He is an asset for us, his leadership, his quality as a player. When you’ve got that sort of player coming into a semi-final, you want to have him available.”

When asked about the players wearing Faz shirts, Peet added: “Oh, no. This is one of Faz’s worst nightmares. I think he has probably learned through his career that some moments have to be celebrated.

“He would have just wanted to concentrate on his first carry and his first hit, but like anything in life, it was important to his teammates. It was something that they wanted to do. They think so much of him.

“Harry (Smith) straight away said to me about Faz leading the team out. He wanted Faz to be captain first, toss the coin and pick the trophy up. I love that about what Harry has done. It just shows all the respect they have got for Faz.”

Catalans coach John Cartwright said after a tenth defeat in their last twelve of the season: “I have been hard on the players at times, but I really feel for them.

“There are a lot of young boys in there who have not played much Super League at all, and they have had to cope with a lot.

“They have now got experience in playing Super League and that will stand them in good stead for next year.”