Lam previews St Helens
- Adrian Lam looks ahead to Friday’s derby clash with St Helens.
- Lam: “It’s a challenge we are due. We want to play in the big games and it’s our arch-rivals.”
- St Helens vs Wigan Warriors, Friday 30th October, Totally Wicked Stadium, K.O. 7:45pm.
Head Coach Adrian Lam believes his side will have to do ‘everything right’ to ensure victory over fierce rivals St Helens on Friday night.
The Warriors will return to the Totally Wicked Stadium for the second Friday in a row, after beating Salford there last week. A win over Saints would see the Cherry and Whites leapfrog their rivals into top spot of the Betfred Super League table.
Speaking in his weekly press conference via Zoom link, Lam discussed facing the 2019 Champions away from home.
“We’ve got the strongest side we’ve had for some time. Going there is a great challenge for us.
“It’s a challenge we are due. We want to play in the big games and it’s our arch-rivals.
“The supporters can’t be there this week so we have to give a good performance for them.”
On the chance to go top, he said: “We need to keep our season on track. We are in with a chance of going to the top of the league table after this win, so it’s important we do everything right.”
Among a number of players who have performed well for Wigan throughout 2020, the Papua New Guinean was asked to discuss second-rower Liam Farrell, who has tallied ten tries so far in his testimonial year.
On Farrell, Lam said: “He’s been one of our most consistent players week-in-week-out, and potentially in the top couple of back-rowers in the competition.
“When you get to know him, he’s the ultimate professional. He leaves no stone unturned, he’s in on his days off, he does his extras, he’s unbelievable. He gives himself the best possible opportunity to be successful.”
Ahead of Wednesday’s 21-man squad announcement, the Head Coach also provided an update on the players likely to be unavailable for Friday’s game.
“Lockers (Sean O’Loughlin) is another week or two with a hamstring strain. Dom Manfredi has fluid on his knee at the moment. We are going to get that drained this week and see how it sits, but it could potentially be another week or two as well for Dom.”
