Lam previews Salford

• Head Coach looks ahead to Friday’s Betfred Super League clash with Salford.
• Lam: “No doubt they will want to play well again and back it up tomorrow night.”
• Wigan Warriors vs Salford Red Devils, Friday 23rd October, Totally Wicked Stadium, K.O. 5:30pm.

Head Coach Adrian Lam expects Salford to come out fighting this Friday following their Coral Challenge Cup disappointment last week.

Lam’s Warriors take on the Red Devils at the Totally Wicked Stadium (K.O. 5:30pm), in their second meeting of the 2020 season.

Speaking in his weekly pre-match press conference via Zoom link, the Papua New Guinean discussed the merits of this weekend’s opposition.

“Even though they are not sitting in the best spot in the Super League, as a team and as a club there’s a fighter in there.” 

On Salford’s Coral Challenge Cup Final defeat, he said: “They were courageous, as they have been all year. What they’ve done over the last two seasons has been exceptional.

“They are in most games and whether they win or lose, it’s never by much. They had a chance to win at the weekend but it went against them.

“No doubt they will want to play well again and back it up tomorrow night.”

Wigan’s weekly preparations have certainly been irregular, following positive Covid-19 tests in the camp last week resulting in a postponement of the R16 fixture with Catalans.

However, following two rounds of all negative tests earlier this week (learn more HERE), the Cherry and Whites have been given the green light for Friday night.

On facing the challenge of coronavirus, Lam said: “It’s been pretty hectic, but a great experience, something new. 

“Like everything that this year has thrown at us, we are glad as a Club that we’ve handled it well.”

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Wigan’s ranks will have been bolstered this week with the likes of experienced forwards Tony Clubb, Ben Flower and George Burgess included in the 21-man squad (more squad news HERE).

On having more players available, he said: “I’m really excited that we’ve got a selection of players to pick from, we’ve not really been in this position all season, especially since lockdown. 

“It’s certainly a blessing at this time of year to get these experienced players back in the squad.”

There was less positive news on skipper Sean O’Loughlin, who missed out on selection this week. Lam revealed the extent of his absence.

“Lockers is out. He’s just got a hamstring strain, so he’s not being considered this week. He will be one or two weeks away with that.”