Why Wigan Warriors boss Lam is making changes to his side

[josie andrews]

Adrian Lam will make up to three changes to his side for Friday’s opening play-offs game against Salford.

One has been forced on him, after Oli Partington was cited by the match review panel and charged with striking with the arm.

He faces an automatic one-game ban unless Wigan decide before noon today to appeal.

And centre Dan Sarginson is looking doubtful after suffering a hamstring strain in last Thursday’s 26-8 win against Castleford.

Chris Hankinson, who has done well deputising at centre this season, is on stand-by to replace Sarginson if he is ruled out.

And Liam Farrell’s return from suspension could see him take Partington’s place in the side, albeit with a shuffle of the pack.

But another position is giving Lam more of a headache.

Liam Marshall is available after overcoming a hamstring injury.

But in his absence, Bevan French has impressed on the right wing, giving the coach a decision to make.

He could leave out either one of those two players, or even left winger Joe Burgess.

Alternatively, he could reinstate Marshall to the right wing and put French on the bench – he has the versatility to cover all the backline spots, and even play in the halves. “Sarge isn’t ruled out, but at the moment he’s looking more unlikely to play than likely to play,” said Lam, speaking at a media event at Old Trafford to launch the play-offs.

“We’ll look at Oli’s charge and make a decision on that. Faz is back, Marshy is potentially back – I’ll speak to my staff and make a decision on what we do there.”

Meanwhile, Castleford’s Jesse Sene-Lefao faces a two-match ban for the offence of Grade C Strikes with Knee, for the challenge on Partington which led to him being red-carded.

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/why-wi ... -1-9999340

[OAMJSONA]

i would leave Burgess out and play both Marshall and French on the wings but i dnt think he will

[fozzieskem]

I have feeling French will come off the bench and Marshall plays but I too would rest Burgess

[bertina]

I have feeling French will come off the bench and Marshall plays but I too would rest Burgess

I think you’re right Fozzie. Probably:
1. Zak
2. Marshall
3. Hankinson. (If sarge not fit)
4. Gildart
5. Burgess
6. Williams
7. Lulu
8. Clubb
9. Powell
10. Byrne
11. Faz
12. Isa
13. Smithies
14. Lockers
15. Flower
16. Greenwood
17. French
13.
7.