Leigh Leopards: Adrian Lam keen to ‘draw a line in the sand’ following Wigan Warriors defeat

Leigh Leopards coach Adrian Lam admitted it was always going to be a difficult task to back up last week’s Challenge Cup history at the first time of asking.

The Leopards reached their first Challenge Cup final since 1971 last weekend with a 12-10 win over St Helens – but they couldn’t back it up as they fell to a 44-18 defeat to neighbours Wigan in Super League action.

Speaking after the game, Lam knew it was always going to be difficult to back up an ’emotional rollercoaster’ of a week and was keen to draw a line in the sand after their defeat.

He said: “I knew it was going to be a tough week for us, obviously coming off the emotional rollercoaster that we have had.

“I’ve been around as a player long enough to know it is difficult to back up from that.

“I thought Wigan were outstanding in everything that they did.

“I thought we were the complete opposite of what we have been in the last 20 rounds. That happens and I’ll draw a line in the sand quickly and move on.

“It was very similar to the last time we played. We should have led at half-time and (there were) a couple of calls before half-time and late tries in the last seven minutes of the game.

“We talked about that and Wigan being dangerous close to half-time and just after, and it was game over by then.

“I thought we were at the races early on, but the longer the game went the more disinterested we were.”

Adrian Lam hails ‘unbelievable’ support from Leigh Leopards fans

Lam was full of praise for the club’s supporters, with around 3,000 of them making the short trip across the borough to the DW Stadium.

Lam told Channel 4: “They’ve been unbelievable for us this year and a highlight. They travel away in big numbers, there was around 3,000 there today to support us and we love them and this is all for them.

“They’ve got a couple of big weeks coming up for them so I’m sure it wasn’t ideal for them today, but they were still singing the songs and we’re very happy for them.”

Possible selection changes ahead of Wembley week

Leigh face Leeds at Headingley next Sunday, six days before their Wembley appearance against Hull KR, with Lam hinting at a couple of selection changes against the Rhinos.

“I think it’s a day to day proposition for us and to make sure we tick everyday off as we go,” Lam added.

“Whether we play a full strength team next week or see what we’ve got, it’s difficult when we’ve only got a small squad but we’ve just got to make sure we keep working hard and keep that belief there.”

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