Why George Burgess and Ben Flower may go straight back into Wigan Warriors action

He says marquee recruit Burgess is "highly likely" for the trip to Huddersfield, having missed the last three games with a hip injury aggravated on his Super League debut.

Flower has not figured at all and while his chances are rated at 50-50, he will go straight into the squad if he gets the green light.

Lam says he has yet to decide which of the props from their last game - a 26-12 win against Hull FC - would make way.

He said: "George has to train every session and he has done so far, he's highly likely to play.

"Benny is 50-50, if it's not this week it'll be next week."

The reserves have no game this weekend and Flower has not played at all - including any pre-season friendlies - since last season.

But Lam has no reservations about putting the Welshman, 32, straight back into top-line action if he has fully recovered from his back strain.

"When he's ready I think he's earned the right here to come straight back in," the coach continued.

"He's a senior figure and he's highly-respected by his team-mates, and when he's ready to come back in I think he will."

Asked who will miss out, he replied: "I don't know yet, and it's difficult because I like Ethan Havard, too, and he's missed the last two games. But it's good to have the competition."

Lam will name his provisional 21-man squad tomorrow.