Lam previews Leigh
- Adrian Lam looks ahead to Wigan’s Betfred Super League clash with Leigh.
- Lam: “They’ve got nothing to lose Leigh. They’ve got some great players and they are a side who we respect.”
- Wigan Warriors v Leigh Centurions, Sun 1st Aug, DW Stadium, 3pm K.O.
Adrian Lam is expecting a ‘good battle’ when his side line up against Leigh Centurions on Sunday afternoon in Round 17 of the Betfred Super League.
The Cherry and Whites will face the Leythers for a third time this season when they meet at the DW Stadium in the 3pm kick-off.
Speaking to the media on Friday in his pre-match press conference, Lam began by discussing the weekend’s opposition.
“Each game we’ve played them this year has been very close. They’ve all gone down to the final 10 or 20 minutes.
“They’ve got nothing to lose Leigh. They’ve got some great players and they are a side who we respect.
“Hopefully that will drive the supporters down this weekend, both Wigan fans and Leigh fans.”
Adrian Lam’s me come fresh off the back of a 21-8 defeat to Warrington on Wednesday, while Leigh head into the game having had a month away from any Super League action.
On preparing his team for the game: “We want to get back out there as soon as possible after that Warrington defeat. All our focus is on putting together that 80 minute performance on Sunday.”
On Friday lunchtime Lam named the Wigan 21-man squad to face Leigh (see HERE). Speaking about the changes in his side he said: “Liam Marshall failed his HIA (head injury assessment) on Wednesday, so with the seven day protocol he misses out.
“We’ve now got to take into consideration either Umyla Hanley or Sam Halsall in that outside back position.
“Ethan Havard will miss this game with a hip injury. Into contention will come John Bateman.”
Bateman missed out last Wednesday despite being named in the 21 to face Warrington.
Explaining why he missed out he said: “John had a 50/50 chance before Wednesday’s game but in the captain’s run he pulled up sore. It was more important to take his welfare into consideration then and not pick him.”
Sunday will prove to be only the second Warriors home fixture in which restrictions have been lifted.
On welcoming fans back to the DW Stadium: “You can be at the game and be safe. We’ve done everything we can to make it safe for our team and for the whole stadium.
“We’d love to see as many fans come down this weekend. Every local derby against Leigh brings a tough performance and a good battle. Hopefully I’ll see you down there.”
