Lam: Really excited
- Adrian Lam reacts to Wigan’s 4-36 win over Hull FC in the Coral Challenge Cup Quarter Finals.
- Lam: “They stood up to it today and got it right.”
- Full time: Hull FC 4-36 Wigan Warriors
Head Coach Adrian Lam explained how excited he is after Wigan progressed to the Coral Challenge Cup Semi Finals with victory over Hull FC on Saturday.
A dominant performance from Lam’s side saw the Cherry and Whites leave the AJ Bell Stadium 4-36 victors – with a Semi Final against Leeds Rhinos booked in for Saturday 3rd October.
Reacting to the result via Zoom link, the Warriors boss, said: “I told the players how important it is to take ownership of these big games, it’s not up to the coaches really once you’re at the ground.
“They stood up to it today and got it right.”
Among the many highlights, one of the biggest for Wigan fans was to see captain Sean O’Loughlin back in action, after spending a number of months sidelined.
On the skipper’s contribution, Lam said: “He was outstanding. He gives us a completely different attacking style and does it better than anyone in the world I believe.
“Just looking around the dressing room before a Quarter Final of the Challenge Cup and you’re seeing Sean O’Loughlin ready to play, it can only boost the players.”
The Papua New Guinean also praised the performances of his young forward pack.
“There’s obviously a few of our middles out at the moment, but those guys have been going great for us for a long time now.
“It’s hard to single out anyone through the middle, they were all quite consistent I thought. I’m really pleased for them, they are the future of the Club.”
The Warriors suffered a number of injuries during the game, with Dom Manfredi, Tommy Leuluai and Sam Powell all having to leave the field of play for assessment.
On managing his side through spells of injuries, the Head Coach explained: “I was really pleased how we coped. We have Harry Smith on the bench for that reason.
“It’s always difficult when you have backs getting injured too, we were down to one sub for the last 25 minutes. It did give some players some time to get their rhythm.”
Providing clarification on the health of those players, Lam said: “They are all clear to go back on except Dom (Manfredi), he will have to have a head assessment during the week.”
The victory means Wigan will face Leeds Rhinos in the Coral Challenge Cup Semi Finals.
On the prospect of facing the Yorkshire side, Lam said: “I’m very excited. It’s not the Final obviously, but one where we need to get our performance right against Leeds.
“They are playing great rugby at the moment too so we’re looking forward to that challenge.”
