Leigh Leopards coach Adrian Lam backs his side for ‘really strong’ response after ’embarrassing’ Hull KR defeat

Leigh coach Adrian Lam has backed his side to make a ‘really strong’ response after he labelled their defeat at Hull KR as ’embarrassing’.

The Leopards were beaten 52-10 in a Challenge Cup final rematch against Hull KR at Craven Park on Friday night.

Leigh have lost to Catalans and Hull KR since their Challenge Cup final heroics a fortnight ago, with Lam admittedly anticipating a dip following their Wembley triumph.

“I’m disappointed,” Lam said post-match after their defeat at Hull KR. “Just one of those ones where I didn’t see that coming. There’s no hiding from it, it was embarrassing.

“We had a couple of niggling injuries going into it. The attitude wasn’t right tonight. You are hoping you get your best performance but it wasn’t today.”

The Leopards have enjoyed a stunning season back in Super League, winning the Challenge Cup as well as currently sitting fourth in the league table.

Lam has called on his side to bounce back against Huddersfield on Friday night, saying: “I think you’ll see a really strong response next weekend.

“We’ve had conversations about the dangers of when you get so high winning the Challenge Cup.

“I’m not happy about it, but I’ve got their backs. We will get through this together and respond as quickly as we can.

“The positive is the game is over and done with.”

Adrian Lam: We’ve got to stick to the process

Leigh face Huddersfield, St Helens, Wakefield and Wigan in their remaining four games of the regular season as they look to cement their place in the play-offs.

The Leopards welcome Huddersfield to the Leigh Sports Village on Friday night, 8pm kick-off.

In his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Lam said: “I’ll back them, we’re going to be okay, I was nervous about this happening for two or three weeks after the Cup, we’ll deal with that and I’m sure we’ll bounce back next week.

“We just stick to the process, we’re going to have moments and situations like this, it’s not ideal and it hurts, it is going to hurt your ego, but what we have done really well all year is bounce back and we’ve got Huddersfield at home next week, I’m sure it will be a completely different outcome.”

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