Why George Burgess and Ben Flower may go straight back into Wigan Warriors action

[josie andrews]

Adrian Lam will throw both George Burgess and Ben Flower back into frontline action this weekend - if they are passed fit.

He says marquee recruit Burgess is "highly likely" for the trip to Huddersfield, having missed the last three games with a hip injury aggravated on his Super League debut.

Flower has not figured at all and while his chances are rated at 50-50, he will go straight into the squad if he gets the green light.

Lam says he has yet to decide which of the props from their last game - a 26-12 win against Hull FC - would make way.

He said: "George has to train every session and he has done so far, he's highly likely to play.

"Benny is 50-50, if it's not this week it'll be next week."

The reserves have no game this weekend and Flower has not played at all - including any pre-season friendlies - since last season.

But Lam has no reservations about putting the Welshman, 32, straight back into top-line action if he has fully recovered from his back strain.

"When he's ready I think he's earned the right here to come straight back in," the coach continued.

"He's a senior figure and he's highly-respected by his team-mates, and when he's ready to come back in I think he will."

Asked who will miss out, he replied: "I don't know yet, and it's difficult because I like Ethan Havard, too, and he's missed the last two games. But it's good to have the competition."

Lam will name his provisional 21-man squad tomorrow.

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... on-1999032

[DaveO]

Some of us have been begging for the reserves to return to ease players back and get them more match fit to come back and then Lam come out with this?

[jobo]

Some of us have been begging for the reserves to return to ease players back and get them more match fit to come back and then Lam come out with this?

It's a puzzle. 1 or 2, maybe even 3 games in the reserves would surely benefit both Flower and Burgess you'd think.

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

Some of us have been begging for the reserves to return to ease players back and get them more match fit to come back and then Lam come out with this?

It's a puzzle. 1 or 2, maybe even 3 games in the reserves would surely benefit both Flower and Burgess you'd think.

I will sign up to your views as well. Unless there are injuries then stick with a winning team. If Lam deploys this strategy then he will lose the confidence of players who have earned their spot.

[Caboosegg]

Some of us have been begging for the reserves to return to ease players back and get them more match fit to come back and then Lam come out with this?

It's a puzzle. 1 or 2, maybe even 3 games in the reserves would surely benefit both Flower and Burgess you'd think.

I will sign up to your views as well. Unless there are injuries then stick with a winning team. If Lam deploys this strategy then he will lose the confidence of players who have earned their spot.

Im sorry to disagree with you all bit while yes we are winning its because of our backs. Our pack has been second best every week with only Bullock and Clarke giving us go forward we need either flower or burgess to comeback and give us a bit more. (If they can)

[DaveO]

It's a puzzle. 1 or 2, maybe even 3 games in the reserves would surely benefit both Flower and Burgess you'd think.

I will sign up to your views as well. Unless there are injuries then stick with a winning team. If Lam deploys this strategy then he will lose the confidence of players who have earned their spot.

Im sorry to disagree with you all bit while yes we are winning its because of our backs. Our pack has been second best every week with only Bullock and Clarke giving us go forward we need either flower or burgess to comeback and give us a bit more. (If they can)

But Burgess got slagged off, as did Lam for picking him, when he was clearly not fit.

I don’t disagree we need them in the side but when they are fit and we have the reserves to help get them fit.

It’s also a question of who he drops. Will Clubb be in again meaning one or both of Bullock and Clarke will be dropped?

[Caboosegg]

I will sign up to your views as well. Unless there are injuries then stick with a winning team. If Lam deploys this strategy then he will lose the confidence of players who have earned their spot.

Im sorry to disagree with you all bit while yes we are winning its because of our backs. Our pack has been second best every week with only Bullock and Clarke giving us go forward we need either flower or burgess to comeback and give us a bit more. (If they can)

But Burgess got slagged off, as did Lam for picking him, when he was clearly not fit.

I don’t disagree we need them in the side but when they are fit and we have the reserves to help get them fit.

It’s also a question of who he drops. Will Clubb be in again meaning one or both of Bullock and Clarke will be dropped?

Clubb must only be playing because we need him to, hes a shadow of a player at the moment and looks so slow im really hope hes carrying an injury (only to explain it)

[adiddy]

It would be a travesty if Clarke was dropped for either Flower or Burgess. Clarke in my opinion has been the only forward to have really bossed it for us when on the field. He really knows how to run the ball in, something a lot of our forwards really need to learn to do.


Matt

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

It's a puzzle. 1 or 2, maybe even 3 games in the reserves would surely benefit both Flower and Burgess you'd think.

I will sign up to your views as well. Unless there are injuries then stick with a winning team. If Lam deploys this strategy then he will lose the confidence of players who have earned their spot.

Im sorry to disagree with you all bit while yes we are winning its because of our backs. Our pack has been second best every week with only Bullock and Clarke giving us go forward we need either flower or burgess to comeback and give us a bit more. (If they can)

That's fine, it is what debate is all about. I have no problem with Burgess or Flower returning to the team I just want them to prove their fitness and be selected on merit. Lam should not be in the business of dropping players because others may now be fit they should warrant selection and not be chosen because of their reputations.

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

I will sign up to your views as well. Unless there are injuries then stick with a winning team. If Lam deploys this strategy then he will lose the confidence of players who have earned their spot.

Im sorry to disagree with you all bit while yes we are winning its because of our backs. Our pack has been second best every week with only Bullock and Clarke giving us go forward we need either flower or burgess to comeback and give us a bit more. (If they can)

But Burgess got slagged off, as did Lam for picking him, when he was clearly not fit.

I don’t disagree we need them in the side but when they are fit and we have the reserves to help get them fit.

It’s also a question of who he drops. Will Clubb be in again meaning one or both of Bullock and Clarke will be dropped?

I wouldn't have a problem with Burgess or Flower replacing Clubb.