Byrne: Chance to secure starting spot
- Liam Byrne reveals his excitement for Sunday’s Round 9 tie against Leeds, with the hope of securing a starting spot in Wigan’s first team.
- Irish prop also talks Leeds and the approach the Wigan will take at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
- Byrne: “Hopefully I can give myself a good shot to start every week.”
Ahead of Sunday’s Round 9 meeting with Leeds Rhinos, Liam Byrne says he is relishing the chance to stamp down his place in Wigan Warriors’ starting 13.
The 20-year-old Irish international started at prop in Wigan’s restart opener against Wakefield Trinity last week.
And after adapting to the new Betfred Super League rule changes, which includes no scrums and ‘six again’, Byrne believes he has a “good chance” to cement a permanent spot in Adrian Lam’s team.
“I enjoyed starting with Ethan (Havard) last week and I thought I had a good game,” he said. “I felt we dealt with the rule changes well.
“There is more emphasis on the middles now, defensively. There is more work to do with constant sets on the bounce and it’s pretty tough, but I think we’re coping with them well.
“I’m excited. I think I’ve got a good chance to secure that position and hopefully I can give myself a good shot to start every week.”
Byrne, who has played in seven of Wigan’s eight games so far this year, commented on Leeds and pointed out areas where his side need to focus on.
“Leeds have got a strong pack and some experience in the middle. They have a couple of good ball players too, so we need to be tight in our wrestle and take care of them in our first contacts.
“It’s the same approach from us as it was for the Wakefield game – we just need to tidy up our pressure releases and penalties and be a bit cleaner.”
