Wigan Warriors centre Jake Wardle has been singled out for high praise by head coach Matt Peet following a scintillating start to the 2025 Betfred Super League season. Wardle, 25, has been in commanding form for the reigning champions, delivering consistent performances that have caught the attention of fans, pundits, and most notably, his coach.
Since joining Wigan from Huddersfield Giants in 2023, Wardle has gone from strength to strength, evolving into one of the most reliable and dynamic players in the Warriors’ squad. The 2025 season, however, appears to have taken his game to another level. With a string of standout displays in both attack and defence, Wardle has not only solidified his place in the starting lineup but is fast becoming a vital cog in Peet’s strategic setup.
Speaking after Wigan’s latest win, a 32-10 triumph over Leeds Rhinos, Peet did not hold back in his praise for the England international.
“Jake’s been exceptional from day one this season,” said Peet. “He’s come back in phenomenal shape, hungry to improve, and you can see that in the way he’s playing. His work rate, his decision-making, and his ability to break the line have all been outstanding. He’s been one of our most consistent performers and a real leader out there.”
Wardle’s early-season stats back up Peet’s words. In the opening eight rounds, he has already racked up six tries, provided four assists, and maintained a tackle success rate of over 90 percent. His ability to read the game and exploit defensive gaps has made him a key threat on the left edge, often setting up crucial scoring opportunities for teammates.
Equally impressive has been his defensive discipline. Wardle has managed to shut down some of the league’s most dangerous attackers, showcasing a maturity and calmness under pressure that has drawn comparisons to some of Wigan’s greats from previous eras.
“I think the biggest compliment I can give Jake is that he’s become a complete player,” Peet continued. “He’s always had natural ability, but now he’s pairing that with a real understanding of what the team needs in every moment. That’s the mark of a top-level professional.”
Wardle, who was recently named in Shaun Wane’s England training squad, has expressed his gratitude for the faith shown in him and credited the Wigan coaching staff for helping him develop.
“I’m really enjoying my rugby at the moment,” Wardle said in a post-match interview. “This is a special group of lads, and the environment Matt and the rest of the coaches have created pushes us to get better every day. I’ve worked hard on my game during the off-season, and it’s great to see that paying off.”
While Wigan have made a strong start to their title defence, with six wins from their first eight fixtures, Peet has been quick to remind his squad that consistency is key. However, the emergence of Wardle as a true leader on the field provides a significant boost to the team’s ambitions.
“We’re pleased with where we are, but no one’s getting carried away,” Peet added. “There’s still a lot of rugby to be played. That said, having players like Jake who set standards and bring energy every week gives us a great platform to build on.”
Wardle’s form has not only elevated Wigan’s on-field performance but also sparked conversation about his potential role in England’s plans for the upcoming international fixtures. With the national side looking to build a team capable of challenging for future honours, Wardle’s versatility, experience, and current form make him a strong candidate for selection.
As the Super League season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Wigan Warriors and their powerful centre, who appears to be hitting his peak at just the right time. If Wardle can maintain his current trajectory, he could prove to be the X-factor in Wigan’s bid to secure back-to-back championships — and perhaps even more honours on the international stage.
For now, though, both Peet and Wardle are focused on the immediate challenges ahead. With a tough run of fixtures looming, the Warriors will need every ounce of quality and resilience — and with Jake Wardle in this kind of form, they’ll be feeling confident about what lies ahead.
