LEIGH Centurions’ victory over the Sheffield Eagles, only secured with 18 unanswered points in the last 13 minutes, removed any feeling of disappointment over star signing Blake Ferguson’s absence.

The former Australian Test star, 32, was under consideration for his debut but Lam explained: “I wanted to give him every opportunity to be ready for Sheffield.

“But there was always risk in that, so we decided on Saturday afternoon not to include him.

“He wasn’t feeling the best and still had some jet lag.

“So, the smart decision was not to go down that path.

“We have got to manage what he has done in the last six months.

“It’s not just about picking the player and hoping he is going to do it.”

Ferguson had his final NRL game for Parramatta last September but recently played full-back for New South Wales country side, Thirlmere Roosters, prior to agreeing his move to England.

“I am sure he enjoyed it (playing for Thirlmere) but this is a different beast,” added Lam.

“We have got to make sure he is at his best, whether that is this week or next, we will get that sorted.”