WiganWarriorsFans.com

Adrian Lam has explained why he preferred teenage prop Ethan Havard ahead of a clutch of senior forwards.

The 19-year-old – who made one appearance last season – is a highly-rated prospect at the Warriors.

But his inclusion for the opening night’s 16-10 win against Warrington caught many by surprise, given he was picked ahead of England international Joe Greenwood, Joe Bullock and off-season recruit Mitch Clark.

Lam said: “Ethan’s only just turned 19 and we’re excited about what the future holds for him.

“I just like his toughness, I love his size.

“In training he’s been aggressive and he’s everything this club represents.

“He got the nod ahead of Mitch Clark and Joe Bullock and it’s a pretty big honour for him.”

Havard was born in Bulgaria to English parents and played his junior rugby league at St Pats.

Lam also had other academy-products Liam Byrne and Morgan Smithies on the bench, while Ollie Partington started at prop.

And they compensated for the loss of George Burgess (hip) and Sam Powell (head) to injury, which has made them both doubtful for Friday’s trip to Castleford.

“We had a young bench against Warrington and they had to play more than their part when George and Sam went down – we were a middle down and then Lockers moved to the halves,” said Lam.

“And I thought they were outstanding, they more than held their own. It’s too soon to tell if George will be okay for next week.

We were a bit stretched for middles last year but now we’ve strengthened, and we can put Mitch or Joe in there.”

Ben Flower will also be back in the mix soon after recovering from injury.

Meanwhile, Wigan's reserve get their campaign underway at Widnes today (2pm).

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/why-et ... 1-10232456

Did really well on thursday this lad

"It’s too soon to tell if George will be okay for next week."

No it's not, he doesn't look like he'll be ok for at least 6 weeks and that's nowt to do with his hip.

Not a good state of affairs when we sign two props and there both deemed unfit

Hopefully being picked on merit continues.

Well I thought overall our forwards were pretty ineffective.

I think you need to look at the team as a whole and I think the experience of Greenwood would have helped. The young lads all look fine prospects but such a young set of forwards lacks experience so perhaps it might be an idea to balance youth and experience.

Greenwood is a lot more dangerous down the left edge than faz( in a tight match)...... play faz on the right edge for me

Firestarter wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2020 5:26 pm Greenwood is a lot more dangerous down the left edge than faz( in a tight match)...... play faz on the right edge for me

You’d have Faz ahead of Willie??

ancientnloyal wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2020 6:02 pm

Firestarter wrote: ↑Sun Feb 02, 2020 5:26 pm Greenwood is a lot more dangerous down the left edge than faz( in a tight match)...... play faz on the right edge for me

You’d have Faz ahead of Willie??

Too be honest i like all three of them...... i just think greenwood needs to start

Greenwood, Faz & Isa have to be given a chance as three forwards.
We have to look at phasing our Lockers this year.