Lam previews Leigh
- Head coach looks ahead to Wigan’s opening round bout with Leigh.
- Lam: “We are looking forward to the challenge.”
- Leigh Centurions v Wigan Warriors, Friday 26th March, K.O. 8:15pm
Head coach Adrian Lam is ‘looking forward to the challenge’ of facing Super League newboys Leigh Centurions on Friday night (K.O. 8:15pm).
The fixture will unfold on neutral ground at Emerald Headingley Stadium as part of a double header which will see St Helens take on Salford Red Devils in the early kick off (6pm).
Speaking to the media via Zoom link ahead of the game, the Papua New Guinean discussed the fresh test that the Centurions pose.
“I think they will win a lot of games and cause a lot of upsets.
“We know what they are about and what to expect. We know they will come out the blocks at one hundred miles an hour, and we’re ready for that.”
With Leigh being one of the three sides Wigan will play three times in the 2021 fixture list, Lam explained how excitement for the encounter will grow as the season develops
“We are looking forward to the challenge. It’s a massive game. Both clubs are always at each other’s throats. No doubt we will cross paths later in the season with crowds and it will get the audience it deserves.”
The head coach is no stranger to the local rivalry between the two sides, having been involved in meetings in his playing days.
He said: “I’ve had the fortune, or misfortune of playing against Leigh away. It was a 2002 Challenge Cup game at Hilton Park. It poured down with rain and there was a lot of fan nuisance going on before the game. But Andrew Farrell stepped up and owned the game, which was an amazing performance I remember quite clearly.
“Going there is always tough. There’s a rivalry between both clubs, it’s a love-hate relationship and that will be no different on Friday night.”
Lam also provided updates on his side ahead of Wednesday’s 21-man squad update.
“Bevan French won’t be considered in round one. Jackson [Hastings], we will make a decision on this week. Not sure if he is quite where he needs to be physically so another week would do him great.
“Dom Manfredi will miss round one with a small fracture to his thumb, Liam Marshall too who’s out till May and there’s also some doubt over Gildart. So a few players missing out.”
The head coach also discussed the availability of Jai Field, who would be in line to make his debut for the Cherry and Whites.
“He’s all good. We’ve just making sure he’s up to speed with what we are doing both in attack and defence. We will hold back until the last day to make a decision on him.”
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