Lam: Good response

• Adrian Lam reacts to Wigan’s victory over Leigh Centurions on Monday night.
• Lam: “It was back to who we want to be.”
• FT | Leigh Centurions 16-30 Wigan Warriors.

Adrian Lam praised the second half performance of his Wigan Warriors side after their 16-30 away win over Leigh Centurions on Monday night.

While the two sides went in at the break tied at 16-all, an improved second half performance saw the Cherry and Whites nil the home side and put on three more tries.

Speaking to the media via zoom link shortly after the full time whistle, the Warriors head coach gave his immediate thoughts on the result.

“Defensively I think we responded really well. The start was a little bit of a hangover from the Challenge Cup, but the half time changing room was calm, and we went on to hold them to nil in the second half. 

“It was back to who we want to be.”

He continued: “I still feel like we left four or five tries out there. But as much as I want to play that flamboyant, attacking style, it’s hard when you’re having to rotate and make so many changes.” 

The game had an extra flicker of excitement in the fact that fans were allowed back into stadia to watch the game, albeit a limited number, due to Monday’s lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

On playing in front of the Leigh fans Lam said:

“I think it’ll be tough for any other Super League team to come here. The crowd gets right behind them and whatever number they did have in, it was loud enough to feel full at times.

“I’m glad we’ve been able to come here under that pressure and get out with a win.”

As he did in Round 1’s meeting with the Leythers, Jake Bibby bagged another two tries on the night.

Speaking about his performance Lam said: “Jake’s been doing an amazing job for us. He’s played right across the back line and he just gets on with it. He’s a really popular member of the squad and he’s Mr reliable.”

There was also praise for prop forward Mitch Clark, who made his first appearance of the season for the Warriors.

“He came on when the game was in the balance and I thought his first carry turned the game for us.

“Mitch hasn’t played all year, so I’m happy for him. He’s been training hard and deserved a game.” 

The head coach also provided an update on loose forward Morgan Smithies, who left the field of play injured in the second half.

“We will get a closer look at it tomorrow, it looks like an ankle sprain but it’s too soon to tell.”