Lam: Own worst enemy

• Adrian Lam reacts to Wigan’s defeat to Hull KR on Friday night.
• Lam: “We were in good shape at half time and I thought we started the second half okay but we had too many penalties and mistakes.”
• FT | Hull KR 26-14 Wigan Warriors.

Adrian Lam says Wigan Warriors were their ‘own worst enemy’ as they lost to Hull KR on Friday night.

Wigan went behind 16-0 inside the opening 16 minutes and despite three tries in response to bring it back to just a two-point difference at half time, Hull KR ran in two more tries in the second half to seal victory.

The 26-14 defeat was Wigan’s first in three games and saw Rovers edge closer to fourth spot in the Betfred Super League – the position Wigan currently hold.

Speaking to the media after the result, Lam said: “Really frustrated. Disappointed. We stuffed the start of the game. It was a disaster. You work hard and you use your extra energy to back into it. We were in good shape at half time and I thought we started the second half okay but we had too many penalties and mistakes.

“We gave away a six again on a fifth tackle and a high shot on a fourth tackle and it was almost game over from there – that’s the stuff that’s hurting us.”

The head coach added: “We’re trying to be a top four team and understand what we need to do to get better but through the moments we’re not doing it. We’re our worst enemy. We brought Hull KR into play with penalties and it hurt us.

“Some of our individuals weren’t there physically. We allowed 26 points in and it’s not, who we are or part of our DNA. When you start poorly, give penalties and miss one-on-one tackles it gets difficult.”

Wigan’s start to the game was disrupted as Sam Powell was forced off with a head injury – suffered in a tackle on Brad Takairangi. The hooker did not return to play after failing a HIA test.

On Powell, Lam said: “Pow going down certainly didn’t help us. He’s okay. He’s walking around. We just need monitor him and see how he responds in the next few days. Losing him was frustrating and really difficult.”

Lam was asked on his thoughts of Liam Marshall’s outstanding second try in the left corner which saw Wigan right back in the game just before half time. The winger showed off his acrobatics and stayed within touch – despite being tackled – to plant the ball down over the line.

“That was absolutely outstanding,” Lam said. “That part of his game was really good. I know he’s disappointed on the third try on the [Hull KR] kick though. We did some good things and our actions were there but we did some dum things.”

Next up for Wigan is The Derby as St Helens come to the DW Stadium on Friday.

Lam said: “I know it’s a massive game for us and it always is. We’ve got to get through this first though. That’s my focus tomorrow morning. I’m really frustrated of how things unfolded and we need to get to the bottom of it first – take accountability and respond.”

Tickets for Wigan’s Betfred Super League Rivals Round clash against St Helens are now on sale! 

The biggest derby in Rugby League will take place on Friday 20th August at the DW Stadium. Don’t miss out and get your tickets now! Buy online by clicking HERE or call the DW Stadium Ticket Office on 01942 311111 (9am-5pm Mon-Fri).