MAURICE Lindsay is backing his little Lam to shine against a pack of rampaging Bulls.

The Wigan Warriors' chairman believes playmaker scrum-half Adrian Lam holds the key to victory in tomorrow's play-off showdown with Bradford.

The mercurial Lam takes centre stage at fortress Valley Parade knowing a win will take underdogs Wigan straight to next month's showpiece Old Trafford Grand Final.

Lindsay labels the tricky Papua New Guinea star ''a genius'' and predicts an epic clash.

The Wigan boss told M.E.N. Sport: ''Lam is a truly wonderful player. He is superb, he has the ability to ghost in behind defences and make things happen.

Sensational

''Adrian is also a fantastic passer who has come into his own with some sensational performances.

''He is a very important player in our side. He can combine his brilliant play in the loose with a magnificent kicking game.

''For a little fellow he is also extremely tough and is a first-class defender. I remember marvelling at his skills during the 1995 World Cup and knew then he was ideally suited for Wigan.

''I've been a long time admirer - he has proved a superb acquisition. His move came about when Willie Peters' agent said his player wanted to return to Australia and revealed Adrian was available.

''The jury was possibly out at first when Adrian arrived but this was the case with the great Gene Miles and we all know what he went on to achieve.

''It takes time for overseas players to settle - they have to put their children in schools and adjust to the English lifestyle.

''We go to Bradford knowing we can win - this is not like Accrington Stanley going to Manchester United.

''We know what is at stake and I believe we have the game to trouble Bradford - and expect us to give it our best shot.''

Both Wigan and Bradford are at full strength.

• SALFORD Reds have still to decide if they are to appoint a rugby director to work with head coach Steve McCormack.

Eric Hughes and Andy Goodway continue to be linked with the Reds, who hope to complete the signing of Australian star Darren Treacy from St George next week.

• WARRINGTON bosses have reacted angrily to reports that players got drunk the night before the Wolves crashed to a record home defeat by Bradford.

Gina Coldrick, the club's media manager told M.E.N. Sport: ''Our player Tawera Nikau did have a farewell barbecue but no players were drunk and still out at 5.30am.

''We are disgusted with the town's local paper who ran a story which was sheer fabrication. The story upset Nikau who rang the paper to put the record straight.''

• SWINTON are chasing teenage star John Whalley who was released by Warrington. Clubs are also tracking several youngsters who have been ousted by Wigan.

THE RFL still need a sponsor for the Challenge Cup and will consider allowing a Russian team to compete into the early stages of next season's competition.

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