ADRIAN Lam refuses to be drawn on Leigh’s end of season finishing position after his team broke into Super League’s top six with last weekend’s 24-18 win over Castleford.
Neither is Leopards’ head coach taking anything for granted when his side visit second bottom Hull FC on Saturday.
Leigh kicked off the campaign determined to claim a first ever top two spot and home play-off semi-final.
But early season injuries, coupled with some unexpected losses, made that goal almost mission impossible.
However, with nine games to go, Leigh are just four points behind Wigan and third placed Wakefield.
“Technically, it is (top two) but we have got to take one game at a time,” said Lam. “To predict that now would be bit silly on my part.
“We had a difficult start for us so I am proud of the squad. We have won some big games by close scores in difficult times.
“That is a good sign of a team that is connected. We have nine games now to find some rhythm, get players back and then have a good push for the semis.”
Hull have won only five of their 18 games and Lam admits he expected the Black and Whites to be in a better position.
“It has come as a surprise because we know how many good individual players they have,” he said.
“They are a talented squad that can hurt you at home. They can move the ball as well as anyone in the competition. “So, I see it as a massive challenge and it could go either way. We just need the win whether it be by one or two points.”
Leigh’s close call against Castleford including two tries by in-form Davie Armstrong that earned him a place in Super League’s team of the week alongside team mate, Lachlan Lam.
“Davie has been awesome,” agrees Lam. “It was always going to take time to come back from such a serious (ACL) injury.
“So, I am grateful he is playing some of his best rugby now. I am actually waiting for a chance to give him a go in the halves.
“He was a five-eighth coming through as a young boy in Newcastle so we will see what happens.”
Leopards had 11 players who couldn’t be considered to face Tigers. And while Frankie Halton may make the trip to west Hull, Humberside born Bailey Hodgson is out with an infected elbow.
“We are not sure at this stage if he will be okay next week. Or it is going to be long term,” added Lam.
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