Lam previews Saints
- Head coach Adrian Lam looks ahead to Friday’s Derby against St Helens.
- Lam: “We know what’s ahead of us and we know it’s a really important part of the season for us. Our destiny is in our own hands.”
- Wigan Warriors v St Helens, Friday 20th August, DW Stadium, 7:45pm K.O. Get your tickets NOW!
Adrian Lam admits Friday’s Derby against St Helens feels like the start of Play-Off rugby for Wigan Warriors.
The Cherry and Whites welcome local rivals Saints to the DW Stadium in Betfred Super League’s Rivals Round – aiming to get back to winning ways following last week’s defeat to Hull KR.
Despite saying it is the start of the ‘hardest part of the year’, head coach Lam believes it is a chance for Wigan to start to put a run of winning form together that will breed confidence and cement a spot in the real Play-Offs, which get underway in September.
“We’ve identified this as the hardest part of the year,” Lam said to the media in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. “It suits us though with the plan we have. We just need to make sure we win the games to give ourselves a chance at the back end of the year with the Play-Offs.
“We’re working really hard on finishing the season on our terms and putting some form together in the remains six games – if we can do that, the confidence will be there. We know what’s ahead of us and we know it’s a really important part of the season for us. Our destiny is in our own hands.”
A record attendance for the 2021 Betfred Super League is expected at the DW Stadium on Friday night as Wigan and Saints battle it out for local bragging rights.
It is set to be the biggest crowd at the DW since Wigan faced Warrington in January 2020, and Lam shared his excitement, saying the Derby ‘is as big as it gets’.
“Regardless where we are in the ladder, it’s always a massive game for both clubs. In the context of both teams coming into off the back of losses – the timing of it is good. We’re excited for it to be a massive crowd at the DW Stadium.
“It’s a Grand Final replay, we’re at home, big crowd, Friday night – let’s go. This is as big as it gets this year.
“Last Friday was disappointing for us and I made that clear with everyone. I’m looking for a response that’s needed on Friday. We’ve got to improve in our discipline, errors and penalty counts to beat St Helens and I’m looking forward to seeing that improvement.”
In injury news, Lam confirmed that captain Thomas Leuluai will miss the rest of the 2021 season with a hamstring tear – sustained in Round 17 against Leigh.
“We’ve got the scan results back and he will be out for the rest of the season,” the boss said. “Its massive in terms of the role he plays within our team. He’s our greatest leader here. He’s still going to play a part – he’s here doing his rehab.”
When questioned on who will take over the captain duties, Lam said: “I’ve got a leadership group here that I keep up to date. Part of the conversations will be that we need to share the leadership qualities around. I’ve had two players rotate throughout the year when Tommy hasn’t played – so it’s either been Liam Farrell or Sam Powell. Those players will take up that dual role moving forward.”
Lam was asked about potential returns to the team this week and he provided an update on two players who will return to the Friday’s squad.
“Oliver Partington will be back from a two-game suspension and John Bateman will be back from illness – they will both back in the squad. John is going to be playing a big part in our team moving forward now that Tommy is out for the rest of the season. I’m looking forward to seeing him take that next step up.”
The head coach also spoke about Sam Powell, who left the field in the opening two minutes against Hull KR with concussion and did not return following a failed HIA.
“There is some doubt over Sam Powell,” Lam said. “We have to make sure we take care of him. We’ll make a decision tomorrow [Wednesday].”
Tickets for Wiganβs Betfred Super League Rivals Round clash against St Helens are on sale!
The biggest derby in Rugby League will take place on Friday 20th August at the DW Stadium. Donβt 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).
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