Adrian Lam isn’t expecting any favours from 2020 recruit Jackson Hastings when he brings his Salford team to Wigan on Friday night.
Aussie scrum-half Hastings is among the front runners for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel after a stellar season has helped steer the Red Devils into the play-offs. Next year he will join his former Sydney Roosters junior coach Lam at the Warriors as a marquee player.
The pair are in touch several times a week but Lam knows their friendship will count for nothing this weekend.
He said: “I’ve known Jackson for a long time and he’s close mates with my oldest son Lachlan.
“I talk to him via text every week, three or four times a week, and there’s been a bit of cheekiness going backwards and forwards. He understands his position at Salford, he’s enjoyed his time there, loves the fans and doesn’t want to let them down.
“He’ll certainly be leading the way. He’s been outstanding this year - he steadies the ship for them and pops up all over the field. We need to prepare well for him and nullify his options.
“He’s going to be an asset for us next year and we just need to make sure we don’t allow him to be a thorn in our side this year.”
Friday’s clash - which sees the winners then face St Helens for a place in the Grand Final and the losers get a second chance - pits Super League’s two in-form teams together. Salford have won their last eight matches and Wigan seven, and Lam knows something has to give.
He added: “I’m very happy with the back half of the season. I can see a hunger there in the group - they’re all playing for each other and they understand the importance of this. There’s some experienced players there leading the way which is a great sign.
“Salford are one of the in-form teams in the second half of the season as well, they’re similar to us really. It’s a handful for us and a difficult one to prepare for because they’ve got nothing to lose and they’ve got that mentality.
“Some of their stats regarding individual players and the team are among the best in the competition. We respect them, know they’ve earned the right to be there and it’s going to be a tough game.”
