Adrian Lam's main instruction to his Wigan Warriors players ahead of Leeds Rhinos showdown

The Warriors coach said he was “confused” after their 22-12 loss at St Helens on Super League’s opening night.

And having analysed the match and reviewed it with his squad, he remains convinced they fell away from their game-plan when they are were under the blowtorch.

“When they were fatigued they reverted to what they knew, and the players agreed – we didn’t play as we trained all pre-season,” said Lam.

“I don’t want to disrespect what was done in the past, but we want to add a different style of play. And when you’ve done something a particular way for so long it’s easy to revert to that when you’re under the pump.

“So we’ve got to be a bit smarter and play to the structure we have been training.

“And we’ve got to work that bit harder on our shape. Hopefully you see a different type of performance on Friday night.”

Leeds, coached by Lam’s former Wigan team-mate Dave Furner, are also seeking their first win after going down 26-6 at Warrington – although the Warriors are two points behind on the table following their punishment for breaking the salary cap in 2017.

Lam has no fresh suspension issues – Jarrod Sammut is still unavailable as he serves a ban – and he hopes prop Tony Clubb is fit to play after he left the action at the Totally Wicked Stadium with a head knock and didn’t return.

“He’s got another test to pass, but he looks like he’ll be okay,” added Lam, who will name his 19-man squad tomorrow.

Winger Dom Manfredi is not fit to return after a clean-out operation on his knee. He could be in contention to face the Sydney Roosters the following week in the World Club Challenge – if Lam opts for him ahead of Liam Marshall or Tom Davies.