ADRIAN Lam hopes to reward Leopards’ travelling army of fans with a victory to re-ignite Leigh’s Betfred Super League play-off push.
An estimated 1,500 supporters are heading to Perpignan for this weekend’s crunch game against Catalans Dragons.
The French club ended sales to Leythers to avoid the fixture feeling like an away game.
Lam describes the supporters’ commitment as “unbelievable” and wants his team to respond with two vital points.
To ensure best preparation for the game he and his players formed an advance party, flying out on Wednesday for a Saturday tea time kick-off.
“I know it is a massive week for Catalans but it is a massive week for us as well in terms of the ladder and the season,” said Lam.
“Where we sit ,we don’t have much room for poor performances.
“It is brilliant to get that many fans over to support us.
"It will be another reason to go over there and play well in front of them.”
Ninth placed Leopards are separated from their hosts by four places and seven points. But they have a game in hand on seven teams above them including last season’s Grand Final runners-up, beaten 30-2 at Leigh Sports Village on April 26.
Gareth O’Brien and Matty Davis are available for selection after injury while Robbie Mulhern and John Asiata could be as little as week away from their own returns.
“I have got a good squad and when everyone is fit and on board.” I know we can win every week if we have to and we need to,” added Lam.
“We go there with a confident team, playing for each other and our standards high.
“We have had a reasonably good victory against them. They will be hurting from that and no doubt wanting to send a different message and different performance.
“I know they will be wanting to win as well but it is more important for us.”
Leigh’s longest trip of the season is followed by two more away days before hosting Huddersfield Giants on July 13.
Next Friday, Leopards go to Headingley for what is likely to be an emotional encounter against Leeds; the Rhinos first home game since the passing of Rob Burrow.
Then Leigh visit DW Stadium on July 5 to face Super League and World Club champions plus new Challenge Cup holders, Wigan.
“We are on the right track but we have got to keep looking for improvement,” said Lam. “We have to take each team separately, on a week-to-week basis, because they all play different styles.
“That’s the challenge for the coaching staff.
“But we can use this week as one to get back in our groove.”
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