Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson delivered an “epic” team talk in the run-up to Wigan’s historic Super League Grand Final win against Hull KR, revealed head coach Matt Peet.
The Warriors completed an unprecedented quadruple by beating the Robins in Saturday’s final at United’s Old Trafford home.
Wigan contacted the 82-year-old having drawn parallels between their situation and his achievements at Manchester United – including their Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League Treble in 1999 – with Ferguson also presenting jerseys to the Wigan squad.
“We reached out through a mutual friend – we just thought we were on the verge of something similar to when United won the Treble,” said Peet.
“Obviously Sir Alex’s side played at Old Trafford, [plus] the fact he spent his career developing homegrown talent and with his mentality, we thought he was the perfect person.
“It was epic, as you can imagine. We hung on every word, but it was his presence. The lads were so quiet to hear a leader like that and, a humble man as he was, you could hear a pin drop.
“With all the lads, Sir Alex presented their jerseys. I can never thank him enough for that.”
French ‘quite emotional’ over Wigan gesture
Ferguson’s arrival at Wigan’s pre-game team meeting was not the only surprise the club had arranged.
The Warriors flew Bevan French’s uncle and brother over from Australia in order to attend the final, with the pair presenting the game’s sole try scorer with his jersey.
“It goes in number order and mine was skipped – I thought it got rearranged or something, I didn’t know what was going on,” said French, 28.
“Then Raddy [chief executive officer Kris Radlinski] said, ‘We’ve got a special guest to present you [with] your jersey’, and in came the boys. Just being away all year is tough and all the sacrifices, I miss them all year. So I was quite emotional about it.
“Last time my uncle came over, he said it was the trip of a lifetime for him. Opening up doors and getting to share this experience with my family is something that I will remember forever and we’ll talk about this for years to come.”
The idea to bring over French’s family came about due to the motivational videos his uncle Shannon sends to the stand-off, which became a feature of team meetings over the course of the season.
“Shannon sends Bevan these inspirational videos where he pulls him to pieces and gives him tips on his play,” added Peet.
“We quite often put them on during team meetings and they’re hilarious. I don’t know if he means to be. It’s the real highlight of the week when we have a giggle at the messages.
“Kris Radlinski pulled me to one side and said, ‘I think we should bring him over’. Keeping it from Bevan was obviously a challenge.”
2025 World Club Challenge unlikely – Peet
Wigan began their quadruple-winning season with victory over Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge, but it is unlikely the international fixture between the Super League champions and National Rugby League (NRL) winners will take place again in 2025.
That is due to Wigan’s Super League fixture against Warrington, England’s women taking on Australia’s women and two NRL games all taking place in Las Vegas in March in order to promote rugby league.
Asked whether there would be a 2025 fixture against Penrith, who won their fourth successive NRL title last week, Peet said: “I don’t think there will be. But I think anyone thinking of going to Las Vegas should get on board.
“Super League has proven in the past month or so that it’s an outstanding competition.
“I think we’ve got some of the best players in the world. I’m looking forward to going there with Warrington and playing against them but we’re going to promote Super League.
“I think like the Grand Final, like [the Challenge Cup final at] Wembley, it should be a real showcase for Super League.”