Matty Peet says new recruit Cade Cust has fitted in right away at Wigan Warriors – after being thrown straight into an army camp.
The Aussie half-back has arrived from Manly Sea Eagles on a two-year deal with the option of a third year.
Cust, 23, played 27 games in the NRL, scoring nine tries and he landed in the UK this week before immediately embarking on a pre-season camp with the British Army.
Head coach Peet is keen to find and develop emerging leaders within his squad and so took his men to Altcar Training Camp, near Formby.
They spent two days undertaking a range of tasks centred on leadership and team building – and Cust caught the eye.
“A few of the Army staff, the sergeants and lance corporals, were commenting how we looked like we had been together for a lot longer than we had,” Peet told Rugby League Live.
“Cade Cust seemed to be a part of that and fitted in really well, which bodes well.
“We’ve done a lot of work on breaking down barriers and opening up communication all the way through pre-season.
“It’s about giving these players unique experiences which they share and that only they can be part of.
“It fastens that bond when they have been through something together.
“Whether that’s a laugh or something challenging, they can look back on it through the season and reflect on the journey they have been on as a group.”
Peet’s troops will embark on another training camp next month – this time at Loch Lomond in Scotland.
He explained: “It’s my job to put these flagposts in place throughout pre-season and during the season to direct the team in the right way.”
Open-minded Peet will continue to look far and wide in search of best practice.
“We’re always looking to give our players an edge mentally and physically,” he added.
“That could be through the military, other sports or different kind of coaching around yoga, for example.
“The specialist leadership training we did at Altcar was great.
“Significantly, we also encourage the players themselves to come to the table with ideas to help us improve.”
Peet, meanwhile, says Wigan’s recruitment is almost certainly complete as they head into the 2022 campaign.
He said: “I think it is. You’ve always got one eye on the market, but this is the squad that I expect, certainly for the start of the season.
“If it’s the squad for the duration of the year, I’d be more than happy. I think we’re in good shape.”
