Lam previews Catalans
- Head coach looks ahead to Saturday’s trip to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons.
- Lam: “We want to go there, get the job done and secure that top of the table spot.”
- Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors, Sat 29th May, Stade Gilbert Brutus, 5pm K.O. (UK).
Adrian Lam believes his side must improve on recent performances if they are to get a result on Saturday against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.
The Cherry and Whites will make the short flight to the South of France to face Steve McNamara’s men at Stade Gilbert Brutus in a battle of first versus third (5pm K.O. UK time).
Speaking in his weekly press conference ahead of the Betfred Super League fixture, the Warriors head coach explained the challenges Wigan have faced of late with missing personnel.
“We’ve been getting by and getting the wins. We haven’t been able to play that expansive rugby just yet, but I’m looking forward to that time when we do have our best 17.
“Whilst you could be disappointed with some performances, we’ve got the two points, which is what matters. We are working hard on fixing the other areas, but it’s hard to attack well and score points when you’ve got players playing out of position.”
He continued: “The exciting part is that we’ve been winning games with courage and hunger, which should do us in good stead later in the season.”
On Saturday Wigan will come up against an in-form side in Catalans. Fresh off the back of a victory over reigning champions St Helens, the Dragons have won six and lost just one game so far in the league.
On Catalans: “They have been outstanding. While they have recruited good players, they also have a number of ex-Wigan players that know how we play.
“As a team they look well connected. They are a big side, they believe in what they’re doing and if you turn up and make errors against them, it’ll be a long night for you.
“We’ve made errors the last few weeks, so it’s important we improve on that this week to give ourselves a chance. If we can do that, hopefully we can get a result.”
Last season, Wigan were able to overcome the Dragons on their home turf, winning 12-28. Highlighting the win, Lam said: “It was a tough trip there last season, at a difficult time in the year, and getting the win was certainly one that turned the season for us.
“We see this as another opportunity for that. We want to go there, get the job done and secure that top of the table spot.”
Lam provided an update on full back Bevan French, who left the field of play with a hamstring injury last week against Salford Red Devils.
“We are not totally clear just yet. He is awaiting results on a scan and is seeing a surgeon. We will know a lot more in the next 48 hours or so. It doesn’t look good and he won’t be playing this week certainly.”
He also discussed a number of other members of the squad who will hope to be match fit soon.
On Willie Isa (corked thigh), Morgan Smithies (ankle) and Tommy Leuluai, Lam said: “We’ve got to give them right up until kick-off to be right.
“It’s going to be tough for Willie to make this one, but Morgan and Tommy are much more likely.”
With much speculation doing the rounds regarding the future of ex-Wiganer George Williams, Lam was asked what he knew of the stand-off’s next move following his immediate release from Canberra Raiders.
“It’s not one for me to speculate on. It’s still a live situation over in Australia. My focus is on this weekend’s game.”
