Adrian Lam keeps Saints guessing over Wigan Warriors debutants

Kai Pearce-Paul, who was signed from London Broncos a year ago, is one of six players who could make their Wigan debut tomorrow

The Warriors coach could give up to six players their big chance as he rests many of his frontline stars for Saturday’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds.

Full-back Umyla Hanley, three-quarter Sam Halsall and forwards Ben Kilner, Kai Pearce-Paul, James McDonnell and Canberra-bound Harry Rushton were all named in the provisional 21-man squad which had to be revealed yesterday. He will name his 17 an hour before kick-off.

Lam said: “Two might play, all six might play.

“But there’s a bit of cat ‘n mouse about this, we want to go into it with a little bit of uncertainty about us.

“There will be players making their debuts and that’s a dream for them and their families.

“They’d have had childhood dreams of this and there’s no bigger rivalry across sport than ours with St Helens, and so it’s a big moment for them and we feel it’s a strong team.

“The players coming through, they’re all great young men.

“They have a lot to learn from us and the senior players but each brings their own little box of tricks which is special.”

Lam himself was a part of a Wigan side which famously beat Saints in 2003, with a team featuring many younger players.

And he is hoping history can repeat itself at the AJ Bell Stadium tomorrow, offering no pre-loaded excuses for a poor performance.

“We’re going there to win, absolutely,” he said.

“We’ve had a big squad all year and I feel everyone is good enough to play Super League.

“Regardless of whether they’re 35 or 19, you have systems in place to make sure everyone is up to speed.

“I mentioned to them I was in a similar position a long time ago in a Good Friday derby, we were big underdogs and winning that game is a memory I’ll have until I die.”

He also thinks it’s a great chance for fringe players such as the likes of Chris Hankinson, Jake Shorrocks and Mitch Clark.

“There are also players in there with a point to prove, so I hope they go into it with a lot of energy,” he said.

“I’ve had players knocking on the door every week asking why they’re not in the team – and I encourage that – and this is a chance for them to show the world they’re good enough to play in our team and in Super League. So it’s a positive vibe around here.”

Of the senior players, prop Joe Bullock could return from a broken hand and winger Dom Manfredi is included after missing Friday’s victory against Wakefield with a head injury.

Saints are the only Super League side Lam has yet to beat as a coach. He added: “They’re a strong side, they’ll be fired up.”

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