Headingley gives Wigan Warriors 'home advantage', says Adrian Lam

Their clash is the first of a Challenge Cup quarter-final double-header at Headingley to be screened by the BBC.

Since the first lockdown 14 months ago, Wigan have played just three matches at the DW Stadium – and six times at Leeds.

Indeed, they have had more games at Headingley behind-closed-doors than at any other venue.

And Lam said: “We’ve played a lot of games at Leeds, we consider it a home game for us.”

‘Leeds’ will be a word used in their preparations, with Lam pointing out the team were progressing well last year only to be knocked out of the Cup by eventual-champions, the Rhinos.

“It’s been a bit of a theme through this Challenge Cup, we went out on a sour note and it kicked us on last year in Super League,” said Lam.

“We’ve referred to it a couple of occasions because we don’t forget those moments.

“It’s more about us I think we’re a more consistent, steady team now than we were then.

“We’re in a better position but we need to turn up otherwise we could find ourselves in the same spot.”

Lam included winger Dom Manfredi in his 21-man squad and though he is unlikely to play, it is a sign that Wigan’s early-season injury woes in the backs is easing.

Centre Oliver Gildart and captain Thomas Leuluai may also come into the picture within the next week or two, increasing Lam’s options and providing an extra incentive for all the players in the side to impress.