Producers of a documentary about Wigan due to be released before their visit to Las Vegas captured a previously reported on-field argument between coach Matty Peet and his Allegiant Stadium rival Sam Burgess.
Reporters were on Tuesday shown footage from the documentary, made by film maker Joe Gardiner, which followed the Cherry and Whites through a 2024 season which saw them lift all four available trophies: the World Club Challenge, the Super League title, the League Leaders Shield and the Challenge Cup.
During the clip, a mic’d up Peet can be heard telling Burgess on June 8 he hopes they can have a beer following the Wembley final last year, regardless of the result.
NRL.com previously reported that before the Wolves’ 40-4 regular season win over the Warriors seven weeks later, Burgess was asked on Sky about being seen remonstrating with Peet at Wembley and footage of an apparently heated exchange was aired.
The station reported that Burgess had told Peet not to speak to any of his players, in response to Peet allegedly addressing the Wire’s Sam Powell - a former Warrior - about an issue between them in the tunnel before kick-off.
It has now emerged that the second spat - between Burgess and Peet at full-time - was picked up by the mic fitted by the filmmakers. NRL.com approached Gardiner for comment but he said he preferred not to say anything.
Those involved in the documentary say Peet’s comments to Powell were not captured but Burgess’ words to Peet were, although at the moment the recording is not considered of a high enough quality for inclusion in the finished program.
The material may, however, be salvaged and included.
Burgess told Sky of the affair: "We’re both pretty competitive blokes and emotions were high, I’d say, there. I don’t know exactly what you’ve shown or what’s been seen but we were talking earlier (tonight) and everything was fine so let’s put it down to two competitive blokes after an intense day.”
The seven-minute clip of the documentary shown to reporters at Robin Park Arena provided a dramatic behind-the-scenes look a Peet’s methods, including him taking players to Billinge Hill, which separates Wigan and St Helens.
He tells his charges as they huddle around at the top of the hill before their visit to Totally Wicked Stadium that everyone in the Merseyside town hates them.
2024 Hall of Fame Induction - Sam Burgess
There is also footage from inside the dressing room after a 26-10 regular-season loss to Hull KR at Craven Park last year in which the coach tears strips off his charges. Wigan would go on to beat Hull KR 9-2 in the Super League grand final on October 12.
Throughout the clip, there is no shortage of expletives. The program is still in production and is being shopped to streaming services.
