Adrian Lam had no reason to worry about Wigan Warriors' "outstanding" debutant Amir Bourouh!

Adrian Lam admits he was "worried" about Amir Bourouh ahead of his Wigan debut - because he showed no signs of being worried!
Amir Bourouh on his debut against SalfordAmir Bourouh on his debut against Salford
Amir Bourouh on his debut against Salford

The 18-year-old became the fourth academy-graduate to earn a debut under Lam this year when he playing in the nervy 30-26 win at Salford yesterday.

He was drafted in because Sam Powell was suspended, halfback Jarrod Sammut is sidelined by injury and Thomas Leuluai was carrying a calf strain.

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And Lam hailed his contribution as "outstanding" given his age and lack of experience training with the senior squad.

"Amir cruised through the week like he didn't have a worry - which worried me!" smiled Lam.

"But he seems to have a good temperament. He's a smart nine and someone we needed with Sammy Powell being out. I thought he was outstanding."

Bourouh was pleased to make his debut alongside Morgan Smithies – the pair have spent many hours travelling over the M62 to training from Yorkshire.

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“Morgan’s dad used to give us lifts, so it was good to play alongside him,” said Bourouh, who hails from Huddersfield.

“Once I got over the nerves I calmed down and I was okay. It was a quick game. When I got on I was like, ‘Okay this is real’. I’m glad the boys got the job done.”

Bourouh, a compact and zippy No.9, was introduced before half-time and aside from a couple of sloppy passes, made a solid start to his senior career. His distribution was sharp and he was keen to get involved.

“I thought I went pretty well, there were a couple of things I could have done better,” said Bourouh, an ex-Siddal amateur.

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“I’ve really enjoyed being with the senior squad, obviously as a hooker I’ve been taking a lot of advice from Tommy Leuluai, I’m listening to everything he says. I’ll just keep making sure I’m ready for when I get a chance again.”

Joe Shorrocks, Liam Byrne and the impressive Smithies have also been given their chances this year under Lam.

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