Lam previews Warrington
Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2019 7:56 pm
Head Coach Adrian Lam looks ahead to Friday’s Betfred Super League clash with Warrington Wolves.
“I think the timing of playing a top four side is good for us and we look forward to that challenge on Friday night to see where we are at as a team.”
Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves, Friday 16th August, DW Stadium, K.O. 7:45pm.
Wigan Head Coach Adrian Lam believes that a victory over Warrington on Friday would take his side’s confidence to the “next level” as they prepare to host the Wire on Friday night.
The Cherry & Whites will come up against the Wire for the fourth time this season when they host the division’s 2nd placed side at the DW Stadium on Friday.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon, the Wigan Head Coach outlined how important the fixture is for his side.
“With it being the first game from four against them at home, we need to make a statement.
With regards to the overall season, it would be a nice way to get a bit more confidence because we’ve worked really hard to get here. Beating Warrington on Friday night would just take our confidence to the next level.”
On Wigan’s good form: “I’m not 100% on our win percentage over the last few months, but I know that there’s been a lot more wins than losses. I’m just pleased the team is playing with confidence and we are striving to be better every week.
“I still don’t think other supporters and teams out there think that we are the real deal, but that’s ok. We’ve still got a fair way to go with our improvement, but I know with the experience we’ve got here and the big game players, we can get there in good shape. It’s exciting times ahead.”
By contrast, Friday’s opponents Warrington have struggled in recent weeks, having only won one of their last five games.
On Steve Price’s side: “We’re not really worried with what they’re going through. We’ve had a couple of close wins ourselves and a couple where we didn’t play too well, like against St Helens.
“I think the timing of playing a top four side is good for us and we look forward to that challenge on Friday night to see where we are at as a team.”
Despite a cup final on the horizon for Warrington, Wigan’s Head Coach explained that he doesn’t expect them to rest key players for Friday’s game.
“We feel that they will play their strongest team and we hope that they do. I think that will be their mentality.”
Recent signing Bevan French made his debut last week, coming off the bench in the second half to replace winger Joe Burgess. In adding the Australian to the squad, Lam explained that in adds a fresh sense of competition to the squad.
“We haven’t had the fortune of having pressure on players every week for places, with selection some weeks it’s been ‘this is it’. French’s arrival puts some pressure on the outside backs and it’s exactly what we need.”
Lam also provided an update on any injury concerns heading into this weekend’s game.
“[Ben Flower] He’s out with a meniscus issue, he needs an arthroscopy so that will be him out for between four and six weeks.
“On top of that, Joe [Burgess] has a pectoral issue. He’s doubtful. We will give him until the captain’s run to see if he’s ok.”
https://www.wiganwarriors.com/news/2019 ... G6PfR4G.99
“I think the timing of playing a top four side is good for us and we look forward to that challenge on Friday night to see where we are at as a team.”
Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves, Friday 16th August, DW Stadium, K.O. 7:45pm.
Wigan Head Coach Adrian Lam believes that a victory over Warrington on Friday would take his side’s confidence to the “next level” as they prepare to host the Wire on Friday night.
The Cherry & Whites will come up against the Wire for the fourth time this season when they host the division’s 2nd placed side at the DW Stadium on Friday.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon, the Wigan Head Coach outlined how important the fixture is for his side.
“With it being the first game from four against them at home, we need to make a statement.
With regards to the overall season, it would be a nice way to get a bit more confidence because we’ve worked really hard to get here. Beating Warrington on Friday night would just take our confidence to the next level.”
On Wigan’s good form: “I’m not 100% on our win percentage over the last few months, but I know that there’s been a lot more wins than losses. I’m just pleased the team is playing with confidence and we are striving to be better every week.
“I still don’t think other supporters and teams out there think that we are the real deal, but that’s ok. We’ve still got a fair way to go with our improvement, but I know with the experience we’ve got here and the big game players, we can get there in good shape. It’s exciting times ahead.”
By contrast, Friday’s opponents Warrington have struggled in recent weeks, having only won one of their last five games.
On Steve Price’s side: “We’re not really worried with what they’re going through. We’ve had a couple of close wins ourselves and a couple where we didn’t play too well, like against St Helens.
“I think the timing of playing a top four side is good for us and we look forward to that challenge on Friday night to see where we are at as a team.”
Despite a cup final on the horizon for Warrington, Wigan’s Head Coach explained that he doesn’t expect them to rest key players for Friday’s game.
“We feel that they will play their strongest team and we hope that they do. I think that will be their mentality.”
Recent signing Bevan French made his debut last week, coming off the bench in the second half to replace winger Joe Burgess. In adding the Australian to the squad, Lam explained that in adds a fresh sense of competition to the squad.
“We haven’t had the fortune of having pressure on players every week for places, with selection some weeks it’s been ‘this is it’. French’s arrival puts some pressure on the outside backs and it’s exactly what we need.”
Lam also provided an update on any injury concerns heading into this weekend’s game.
“[Ben Flower] He’s out with a meniscus issue, he needs an arthroscopy so that will be him out for between four and six weeks.
“On top of that, Joe [Burgess] has a pectoral issue. He’s doubtful. We will give him until the captain’s run to see if he’s ok.”
https://www.wiganwarriors.com/news/2019 ... G6PfR4G.99