MATT PEET praised the job done by Wigan Warriors in paying tribute to Sir Billy Boston.
Ahead of Thursday’s home game with Hull KR, the whole of rugby league came together to celebrate the life of the sport’s first knight, who died aged 92 earlier this week.
Players wore warm-up shirts, there was a guard of honour by former players, and flower wreaths and a shirt of Billy’s were placed on the throne he sat on following his knighthood last year.
Wigan coach Peet said: “The game does a great job in remembering those that have come before us.
“It’s important to mention how respectful other clubs have been, including Hull KR, and messages from across Super League which is indicative of the respect.
“The night was certainly fitting, Kris Radlinski (chief executive) deserves a lot of credit as he nails these sort of things. He understands about representing the club the right way.
“It’s important we continue to do Billy proud.”
They did that on the field too, with a 46-0 victory.
Peet had particular praise for Jai Field, who scored a try and a hand in a couple of their other eight.
“Jai Field was very good,” said Peet. “He has developed his game, he’s showing other ways of getting himself in the game, not just on the attacking shape, but he’s turning up around the ruck when there’s not going to be width in our play and injecting himself in the game.
“There were some courageous efforts as well and the ball he gives to Jake Wardle was high quality.”
On their performance over 80 minutes, Peet added: “I’m very happy. I liked it in difficult conditions. I thought we got the basics of our game right for most of it.
“Our skill on the whole, considering the conditions, was really good. We played good high-percentage rugby and there were some exciting moments as well – I was proud of the balance in the game.
“There were some things within that game that were good signals moving forward.”