Wigan Warriors-Warrington Wolves: Adrian Lam hopes "horrible" lessons have been learned

Wigan were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by Leeds

Wigan face Warrington, who also lost in last weekend’s semi-finals, in a top-four clash at Headingley tonight.

Lam oversaw a frank review following their 26-12 defeat to Leeds - which included asking questions of his own role in the build-up.

He hopes the loss can act as a painful lesson as they look to tighten their spot in the Super League play-offs spots.

“What you want is we learn from this so in eight weeks time if we’re in this position, I want to see a different mentality and a different approach,” said Lam.

“In the process I’m asking what we did as coaches – did we cover every angle? We’ve reviewed what we do.”

Wigan finished last year second in the table and are currently in third spot, but Lam admits their failure to reach a final has put them under more pressure.

“It’s like that at any club, and so be it,” he said. “I want to remind them when we’re in this position again, ‘Here we are, what did we learn, here’s our chance to fix it up’.

“In the past here, before my time, we’ve slipped up and addressed it, got on with it and been successful. So the ideal outcome would be, ‘That was horrible, let’s nail it at the end of the year’. And that’s what we’re looking to do.

“I want to see a response from the players and so far so good with their attitudes.

“We had no excuse to dish up what we did.

“ I just want to see our players turn up and play for each other.

“Warrington will want to respond as well. It’s always a good battle between these two clubs.”

The Wolves’ 22-20 defeat by Salford was an even bigger shock as the holders relinquished their trophy and coach Steve Price says he is still coming to terms with the outcome.

“It was gut-wrenching,” he said. “We’ve learnt some harsh lessons.

“We have the perfect opportunity to go out there on Friday and put in a strong 80-minute performance. The boys are chomping at the bit to get back out there and right the wrongs.”

Warrington will be without second rower Ben Murdoch-Masila while Wigan could give a debut to prop Brad Singleton following his arrival from Toronto Wolfpack.

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