Adrian Lam has suggested Wigan Warriors could be without winger Liam Marshall for Friday night’s local derby as Leigh Leopards prepare to host their neighbours in what is being billed as the 'Battle of the Borough'. The comment adds intrigue to a clash between two sides currently enjoying rich midseason form.
Marshall a doubt, French to cause problems
Lam said he had heard whispers from contacts at Wigan that Marshall, who only returned from a hamstring problem last week, might not feature. While the coach did not present this as confirmed team news, his hint increases uncertainty around selection for the Warriors.
“Marshall coming back, whether Marshall plays or not tomorrow night. I’m hearing there’s a chance that he doesn’t. There’s a couple of them still coming back into the picture there.”
Lam also highlighted the return of Bevan French, whom he signed while coaching Wigan, predicting the former Warriors full‑back will be a handful for Leigh’s opponents as he looks to rediscover form and confidence.
Context and form
Both clubs have been in strong form of late, each having won eight of their last nine matches. Lam pointed to the upward trajectory of the Leopards, who have climbed into play‑off contention after a slow start to the campaign. He contrasted that with Wigan’s own consistency, noting the Warriors sit close to the summit and are just two points behind league leaders.
- Both sides: eight wins in last nine matches
- Leigh: climbed into the play-offs after a slow start
- Wigan: two points adrift of the league leaders
Local ties and rivalry
Lam’s relationship with Wigan remains extensive: he made 119 appearances for the club as a player and later had a spell as head coach for three seasons. His remarks carried the familiarity of someone still closely connected to the town’s rugby scene — he even joked about retaining inside sources.
“Yeah, mate. I’ve still got some contacts there. Don’t you worry about that.”
Lam reflected on recent head‑to‑head history, noting that last season Leigh beat Wigan twice in three meetings, a turnaround from earlier periods when victories were harder to come by for the Leopards.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent run | Each side has won 8 of their last 9 matches |
| Lam's Wigan record | 119 appearances; coached for three seasons |
| Wigan league position | Two points behind the league leaders |
For supporters of both clubs the fixture carries heightened significance: beyond league points, local pride and the continued momentum toward the play‑offs are at stake. With selection doubts for Wigan and the Leopards nursing their own casualty list in recent weeks, the match promises to be finely balanced.
Team confirmations and any late injuries will be watched closely by fans and neutrals alike in the hours before kick‑off. For now, Lam’s remarks have added an extra element of uncertainty to a fixture already heavy with local interest.
Sophia Bell, InfoRadar — Wigan News Correspondent
