200 up for 'embodiment' of a Warrior

[josie andrews]

The exact embodiment of the players we want here at this club’.

About as glowing a reference as could be imagined for Sam Powell, who will bring up 200 appearances for Wigan Warriors tonight against Hull FC in the Challenge Cup.

And coming from someone as decorated as Adrian Lam – whose career has seen him club, country and Queensland in State of Origin – it’s about as good as it gets.

But no more than the 28-year-old one-club Wiganer deserves.

Sam is the exact embodiment of the players we want here at this club,” enthused Lam.

“He’s a leader, he’s consistent, the players love playing with him – they trust him, and they know what they’ll get from him every day.

“It’s a massive milestone for him and his family, it’s an honour I get to coach him through this period.

“We talk weekly about how to improve his game, and he works hard – defensively he’s outstanding, he makes 50 tackles a game, he’s a fit player.

“He understands the game, and one of the areas we’re working on is kicking and running a lot more, and adding to his game.”

Victory this evening would be a perfect way for Powell to celebrate, but it’s by no means a given against a Hull FC side who beat Castleford last weekend in the sixth round, and who beat the Warriors in the 2017 final at Wembley.

Lam, though, is in good spirits ahead of the big game.

“Hull have a good record in the Challenge Cup in recent times, so we’re expecting a tough game,” he added. “They’re coming off a good win against Castleford.

“They’ve got a lot of great individuals and they’re looking like they’re playing as a team enjoying themselves. They’ve got some quality – some of the best players in the competition, some who can turn a game in a blink in the eye.

“When they’re on, they’re on, we have a tough job at the weekend. We’ve got to meet that head on and we’re excited about the challenge.”

Skipper Sean O’Loughlin is expected to make his first appearance since February.

He sat out the trip to Catalans last Saturday as a precaution after a family member had shown symptoms of Covid-19.

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... or-2977289

[Shaun Wane Legend]

Often criticised and singled out as not being good enough but for me he is an immense player who gives 100% every game. Keep up the great work Sam, a club legend.