Adrian Lam explains why loan spell will benefit Joe Greenwood

Joe Greenwood training with Leeds ahead of his debut. Picture: Leeds Rhinos

The England back-rower is set to make his Leeds debut tonight at home to Warrington in front of the Sky Sports cameras after moving to the Yorkshire outfit on loan.

Greenwood dropped out of the Warriors frame at the end of last season – having been disrupted by a series of injury lay-offs – and hasn’t played in Lam’s side in 2020.

He has featured in the reformed Reserves competition but Lam believes a stint at the Rhinos will give him the best chance of reclaiming the type of form which earned him England honours in 2018.

“I think the best way for Joe to get back to his best is by playing Super League – and that’s why we’ve not made it a year-long loan,” said Lam.

“By playing Super League, he’ll be around better players than if he stayed here and played reserves, he’ll get to the level he needs to be.

“We’ve not forgotten about Joe – he’s got another year here too, I believe – so we want to let him get fit and add him to the puzzle. With Liam Farrell and Willie Isa doing so well, it’d be hard for him to get a start right now.

“There’s an opportunity for him to play long minutes there and he’s on loan for eight weeks and hopefully playing Super League will keep him in good shape as opposed to playing reserves or part-time off the bench for us. It benefits the club. We’re going to be watching him closely and hoping he goes really well.”

Greenwood’s departure on loan also frees up some space under the salary cap, with his wages removed from Wigan’s bill for the duration of his loan.

Romain Navarrete (Wakefield), Jack Wells, Ben Kilner (Toronto), Josh Woods and Craig Mullen (Leigh) are also out on loan.

Wells is also a back-rower but Lam doesn’t believe they are light in that area should injuries or suspensions bite.

Morgan Smithies, currently deputising for Sean O’Loughlin at No.13, can play on the edge while centres Chris Hankinson and Jake Bibby are also familiar with that role.

“We can’t hold Joe back from playing full-time somewhere on the fact of what may happen,” added Lam. “Touch wood he comes back to us in eight weeks playing well.”