Lam previews Wakefield

[josie andrews]

Head Coach Adrian Lam looks ahead to Sunday’s trip to face Wakefield Trinity.

“We need a more complete performance and that’s what we’ve challenged the players for.”

Wakefield Trinity vs Wigan Warriors, Sunday 1st September, Mobile Rocket Stadium, K.O. 3pm.

Head Coach Adrian Lam believes that Wigan will be in for “another tough game” when they face Wakefield Trinity this Sunday at the Mobile Rocket Stadium (K.O. 3pm).

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Lam detailed how aware he and his side are of their recent form on Trinity’s home soil.

He said, “It’s a bogey ground, we haven’t had the fortunes their over the last few years.”

Wigan have already travelled to the Mobile Rocket Stadium once this season, losing 30-20 back in April, however, the 49 year-old explained that his side have made plenty of improvements since that defeat.

“We got off to a pretty good start the last time we played them, but just blew it five minutes to go before half time.

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Joe Burgess bagged three tries in Wigan’s last visit to Wakefield

“We need a more complete performance and that’s what we’ve challenged the players for, to perform for the full 80 minutes. I think we are in a different place as a team to what we were then, although I’m sure it’ll be another tough game.”

Both Wigan and Wakefield head into the weekend with an extra week of preparation in the bank following the Challenge Cup Final last weekend.

Lam described how the added break has helped his side. “We would have preferred to play in the Challenge Cup, but it wasn’t to be. However, it was an opportunity for those players who have been carrying niggly injuries to have an extra week off.”

As the race for the playoffs ramps up, just two points separate second and sixth in the Betfred Super League table.

On the final few games he said, “I think there’s seven teams that can finish in the top five and about the same down the bottom end. We’ve won a fair few games since mid season and we could potentially be in second position outright by Sunday, but we could also be out of the top five if we don’t go well in the next three games.

“It’s a unique position but we are in control of our own destiny and that’s something we’ve done well to control over the past 12 weeks.”

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Lam in training

Lam also provided an update on how his squad is shaping up ahead of Friday’s 19-man squad announcement.

In terms of concerns, the head coach highlighted that hooker Sam Powell would be a doubt for the weekend’s action with a back injury.

He detailed, “Sam Powell has had lower back spasms and hasn’t trained this week.”

There was more positive news regarding winger Joe Burgess, who missed the Warrington fixture two weeks ago after failing a late fitness test.

“Joe Burgess will come back into the 17, so there’s decisions to be made.”

Lam also provided an update on the return to fitness of skipper Sean O’Loughlin and prop forward Ben Flower, who have been out of action with pectoral and knee injuries respectively.

“Sean O’Loughlin and Ben Flower are both looking to return for Castleford Tigers at home.”

Tickets for Wigan’s trip to face Wakefield Trinity on Sunday 1st September are on sale to away fans until Friday 30th August, 3pm. Grab yours from the DW Stadium ticket office on 01942 311111.


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