Wind the clock back to 2020 and the Wigan Warriors were in a superb spot.
Finishing top of the Super League table and getting to the Grand Final, Adrian Lam’s Wigan were capable of going all the way, but were stopped by that freakish Jack Welsby try for St Helens in the final game at Hull FC’s MKM Stadium.
Anticipation and excitement was high for 2021 with the Warriors fans hoping that Lam’s men would kick on. Unfortunately, they did anything but that, regressing and appearing void of ideas in attack.
That being said, Lam has nothing but praise for the club and opened up on the injury problems suffered at the DW Stadium during his tenure there.
“What I want to first say is I was privileged to play at such a great club but to have the opportunity to coach a club and coach in a Grand Final, I’ve got some great memories there,” Lam said on Sky Sports.
“The 2021 season was a really difficult one, we had a lot of injuries and I got to a point where I felt I had given everything I have and see if someone else could take them further.
“I brought a lot of players through there and I loved my time there.”
Lam believes that the absence of Bevan French and Jai Field killed his side in attack, but loves how the young players have progressed since his time at Wigan.
“When I watch them now the difference is availability of Bevan French and Jai Field and that is common sense for anyone that watches rugby league.
“Without having those two in our team it hurt us attacking wise. Harry Smith and a lot of the young front rowers got more game time than they probably would have expected too and I am proud of how they have turned out.”
Of course, Lam departed at the end of 2021 and is now head coach of Leigh Centurions with whom he has won the 1895 Cup and sits top of the Championship table.
