ADRIAN LAM expects the play-off race to heat up as his Leigh Leopards cool off from a scorching weekend in France.

Temperatures reached around 40C for Leigh’s 40-16 win at Toulouse Olympique on Saturday.

That added an extra challenge to the Leopards’ push to overcome a slow start to the season and fight their way into the top six, a task which they succeeded in overcoming and which continues on Saturday at Magic Weekend against Warrington Wolves.

Leigh coach Lam said: “We’re out of them at the moment, but a lot of the teams in the top six have still got to play each other, so they have the hardest part of the draw to come in the last quarter of the season.

“It may not look like we’re making much ground in the next five or six weeks, but over the last few games of the season there could be a big change in the top six – I hope there will be.

“We’ve just got to make sure we get to that point in good time, there’s confidence and trust in each other, and we can reach that top six again.”

Lam doesn’t believe the extra weekend travel will have an impact on their preparations for Magic.

“We’re back quickly on Sunday because we don’t want there to be a hangover from the travel and the game,” he explained.

“It’s a long day and it can be taxing on you. We do have a seven-day turnaround which is good.”

Lam also paid tribute to the Leigh fans who travelled to Toulouse, saying: “Our crowds, especially in France, have been unbelievable. Our fans travel really well.

“The weather suits, they can sit around the pool for a couple of days and then watch their team play.

“We’re grateful of their support. They’ve been unbelievable since my arrival and we adore them.”