Really disappointed: Lam

  • Adrian Lam reacts to Wigan’s 34-18 defeat to Hull KR.
  • Lam: “We let a lot of easy tries in, it wasn’t Wigan there today.”
  • Full time: Hull Kingston Rovers 34-18 Wigan Warriors

Wigan Warriors Head Coach Adrian Lam believes his side will need to have a “hard look” at themselves following Thursday’s defeat to Hull KR.

The loss at Emerald Headingley Stadium was the first for the Cherry and Whites since the resumption of the Betfred Super League.

Speaking to the media shortly after the full time whistle, the Head Coach expressed his dismay at the result.

Lam addressing the media via Zoom link following the defeat to Hull KR.

“I’m really disappointed. We made a number of personnel and positional changes and there’s always a risk when you do that, but I thought we’d bring a lot more energy and enthusiasm as a group.

“We just looked tired and flat, which was the complete opposite really.”

The defeat to KR was the heaviest of the season so far for Lam’s side. On whether that made for a more disappointing result, the boss said: “We let a lot of easy tries in, it wasn’t Wigan there today.”

When asked if he felt the altered Wigan side selected were good enough to win on the night, Lam said: “Absolutely, without a doubt.

“We had a lot of experience in that team and everyone in that squad has been training together since lockdown, everyone knows our systems.”

Despite the issues with his own side, Lam did offer some respects to the efforts of the opposition.

“I thought Hull KR played pretty well, I have to give them credit, but I think we just lacked energy.”

“We will have a hard look at ourselves tomorrow in a meeting and be really direct with what we need to do to sort it out.”

On dealing with the defeat, the Head Coach explained: “We will have a hard look at ourselves tomorrow in a meeting and be really direct with what we need to do to sort it out.”

Looking ahead to next week – when Wigan take on Catalans Dragons – Lam suggested a number of players not involved on Thursday evening could return.

“There’s a few that didn’t play today; Ethan Havard, Tommy Leuluai, then we will see how Sean O’Loughlin pulls up. Potentially George Burgess who we need to have a look at.”

While the Warriors boss gave positive news that the side came through the game without any new injury concerns, he did provide a concerning update on Liam Marshall’s knee injury.

“He’s ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament so he needs an operation. He will see an expert next week and he will be out between 9-12 months, sadly.”

Thursday 03 September 2020