Lam previews Hull FC

Warriors News · September 16, 2020

Head Coach Adrian Lam looks ahead to Saturday’s Coral Challenge Cup Quarter-Final vs Hull FC.
Lam: “We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Hull FC vs Wigan Warriors, Saturday 19th September, AJ Bell Stadium, K.O. 5pm.

Adrian Lam expects “really tough opposition” this weekend as his side prepares to face Hull FC in the Coral Challenge Cup on Saturday (5pm K.O.).

The Quarter-Final – which will be broadcast live on BBC2 and on the BBC Sport website – will be Wigan’s first appearance in the historic cup competition in 2020 after receiving a bye in Round 6.

In his weekly press conference via Zoom ahead of the weekend’s tie, the Head Coach explained how happy he is to have his side involved in the Quarter-Final.

“We are pleased to be in the hunt for the Challenge Cup. There’s plenty of romance wrapped up in the the competition and our Club.

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Adrian Lam speaking to the media via Zoom link.

“It’s been a difficult year, but we’re grateful that the RFL have continued with the Challenge Cup, because it could have easily have been left out altogether.”

Saturday’s opposition have had plenty of success in recent years, having taken the historic trophy back to humberside in 2016 and 2017.

On what he expects from FC: “They’ve got a lot of great individuals and look to be enjoying their rugby at the moment.

“They’ve got a lot of experience there still too, so we’ve got to meet that head on. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The fixture will take place on neutral ground at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium (5pm K.O.)

Plenty has been made about the packed 2020 schedule and the toll it may take on sides; Hull FC having played two games in four days last week being just one example.

Addressing this, the Papua New Guinean made it clear that his side would not expect a depleted Hull opposition.

“It’s always tough to play two matches in that time. But we’ve had a pretty difficult trip to Catalans last weekend and we are glad for the extra day or two to recover.

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Wigan last tasted success in the Challenge Cup in 2013, beating Hull FC at Wembley

“Hull have got a pretty decent record in recent times in the Challenge Cup, I know they are going to be really tough opposition.”

Club captain Sean O’Loughlin missed out of last weekend’s game, taking precautions to isolate at home after one of his family members had shown symptoms of Covid-19.

Updating on his chances of featuring this weekend Lam said: “O’Loughlin has been cleared for Covid-19, so he is available for selection this weekend.”