Lam previews Leeds

[Warriors News]

• Adrian Lam is expecting a fast start from Leeds on Sunday as the Warriors and Rhinos go head-to-head at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
• The boss shared his thoughts at Friday’s virtual press conference about the Round 9 clash, the Covid-19 situation at Hull FC, the support for Rob Burrow and the latest injury updates.
• Lam: “I think Leeds will come out at 100 miles an hour this week.”

After Leeds Rhinos’ heavy 0-48 defeat to St Helens last week, Adrian Lam says his Wigan Warriors side must match their opposition on Sunday with the right “attitude” and “enthusiasm”.

Leeds conceded eight tries without reply on their own turf at Emerald Headingley Stadium last Sunday, but Lam is expecting a fast start when Wigan ‘host’ the Richard Ager’s men at the Totally Wicked Stadium. 

“I think Leeds will come out at 100 miles an hour this week,” Lam said at Friday’s virtual press conference, via Zoom, at Robin Park Arena.

“It’s a big match for us. We’ve prepped on making sure we’re right – it doesn’t matter who they select – if we can get our attitude and enthusiasm to match Leeds’ I think we’ll be okay.”

Lam at Friday’s virtual press conference.

After six Hull FC players tested positive for Covid-19 this week – causing a reshuffle to the weekend’s Betfred Super League fixtures – Lam was asked about his thoughts on the situation. 

He said: “It’s always been a concern. Our thoughts are with the club who are going through the hard times at the minute. Super League have ticked all the boxes since then and it seems to have rolled on well. 

“We’re really happy with the protocols in place. We’ve been tested and cleared negative this week, which is great for us. 

“We can’t control anything outside of what we do. Our whole week’s preparation scheduled was completely changed but we’ve got an attitude to expect that, deal with it and move on. 

“Things are going to change every week, but we’re ready to accept it. We just want to play rugby league.”

The boss was also asked about Thursday’s announcement that Wigan players will be wearing special embroidered shirts for Sunday’s game with Leeds in support of legend Rob Burrow. 

Wigan players will wear special embroidered shirts on Sunday.

The players will adorn a word each of them have chosen to describe Burrow – who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2019 – alongside their name. The shirts will be auctioned off via the Wigan Warriors Community Foundation eBay page with all proceeds to be donated to the Rob Burrow Fund.

Lam said: “It’s great timing for such a legend of our sport. We wanted to show our support through this particular way, and the players have got right behind it. 

“The players are passionate about and very supportive of it – we’ll do everything we can to help him and his family.”

Inspirational
Brave
Legend

Our players will be wearing special embroidered shirts for Sunday's @SuperLeague game against @leedsrhinos in support of Leeds’ legend @Rob7Burrow.#WWRL pic.twitter.com/peBDo5sZUE

— Wigan Warriors (@WiganWarriorsRL) August 13, 2020

Lam provided an update on team news ahead of the Round 10 fixture, stating that Tommy Leuluai, Sean O’Loughlin and Ben Flower will not feature this weekend.

“Tommy (Leuluai) has been ruled out. He’ll be out for two weeks – hopefully he’ll be fit for Catalans game. 

“We’ll start Harry Smith in that position – I’ve got a lot of respect for him as a 7 – he’s got a big future in the game; he’s learning every week and has some of the best halves here in (Jackson) Hastings and Leuluai to learn off. I’m looking forward to him playing and playing well. 

Smith kicked a late drop-goal that proved to be the winner for Wigan against Wakefield last week.

“Lockers (O’Loughlin) is not quite right this week. He’ll be alright for the Catalans game. 

“Ben (Flower) has some lower back issues, so he’ll miss one more game which is this week. He’ll be available for the Catalans game.”

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