Lam previews Castleford
- Wigan Warriors Head Coach looks ahead to Saturday’s Betfred Super League clash with Castleford Tigers.
- Lam: “It’s difficult times but also exciting times. Everyone’s accepted it and we’re moving on.”
- Wigan Warriors vs Castleford Tigers, Saturday 29th August, Halliwell Jones Stadium, K.O. 4:15pm.
Wigan Head Coach Adrian Lam believes his side are ’embracing’ the challenges of the 2020 season fixture list as they prepare to face Castleford on Saturday (K.O. 4:15pm).
The Cherry and Whites were scheduled to face Catalans Dragons on Saturday, but following the announcement on Tuesday night that three Dragons players and one non-playing member of staff had tested positive for Covid-19, Wigan’s opposition had to be reshuffled. Learn more here.
Facing the media via Zoom on Wednesday, Lam explained how the Club have accepted the fluctuating nature of the 2020 season following Tuesday’s news.
“It’s difficult to think we’ll get through the whole year without one person at every club with Covid-19, you’d presume. If we can, it’ll be an unbelievable achievement.
“It’s going to affect everyone at some stage. As a group we decided that regardless of what happens with opposition, games and days changing, we’ll accept it and embrace the fact that in 2020 things change every day.”
He continued: “It’s difficult times but also exciting times. Everyone’s accepted it and we’re moving on.”
When asked whether the fixture change would impact his side’s preparations, the Head Coach was comfortable with their progress.
“It’s more about us for this first part of the resumption anyway, so it wouldn’t matter who we played. The results will hopefully reflect that on the weekend.”
However, Lam did also explain how aware his side are to the threat that Castleford could pose at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday.
“They had a tough game against St Helens last time around and I thought they had a chance of winning.
“We have a lot of respect for Castleford. They’ve got some great individuals who can hurt you and a lot of experience too.
“They move the ball a fair bit so if we go there and are a little bit off, it’ll be a tough day for us.”
The boss also provided an update on players who may return for selection this weekend.
“We have no new injury concerns this week. Burgess (George), Tommy Leuluai and Ben Flower will come back into contention.
He also provided an update on those players who are set to miss out.
“Sean O’Loughlin is probably two weeks away. Oliver Gildart is potentially one more week away. Oliver Partington is available next round after his ban is complete.
“Tony Clubb, that looks like it may not be good news and could be more long term, just getting clarification on that.”
Adrian Lam is proudly sponsored by Blue Sky Plumbing Limited.
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