MATT PEET hailed the performance of young winger Austin Daniel in just his fourth senior game for Wigan Warriors – and by the far the biggest.
Daniel was called up late in the week for Wigan’s trip to League Leaders’ Shield rivals Leeds Rhinos after injuries to Jake Wardle and then intended replacement George O’Loughlin.
With Zach Eckersley moving to centre, Daniel came in out wide, a day after turning 20, and he set up the opening try with a blistering break then scored one of his own in the extraordinary 40-8 victory.
But it was his all-round contribution which most delighted coach Peet, who said: “He was outstanding.
“I can’t praise him enough really, to come into that atmosphere when he’d have been aware of the build-up to the game.
“The way he fielded kicks especially (was great). He gave me an insight at Hull KR (on debut) earlier in the year that he was capable of that and had the temperament for it.
“To do the things at the other end of the field was his reward for coming up with brave plays. I’m very proud of him.”
Wardle has suffered a grade-two calf tear, with Peet saying the England star remains “a chance for the back end” as the Warriors plot Grand Final glory.
He added: “We lose Jake and I’m in a blessed position to be able to call upon someone like Austin, move Zach and the players keep responding positively.”
As well as dazzling in attack, Wigan were also very impressive in defence to limit their hosts to just one try.
“We knew it was going to take that sort of defensive performance against Leeds, because they constantly ask questions,” said Peet.
“We were excited about that challenge. They play an expansive game so you have to pride yourself on coming up with big plays.
“We played well, and Leeds will learn a lot. They’ll go away and come back better I’m sure. We have to be prepared to keep improving as well.”