PLEASE FANS, SILENCE LAM

WIGAN hard man Tony Clubb is desperate for the return of fans to help him escape the earache he gets from coach Adrian Lam

The tough prop has suffered some horrific injuries but says the pain he gets in his ears during behind-closed-doors games is the worst. The 33-year-old (left) said: “I massively want fans back at games because, without them, all I can hear is Lammy shouting at me from the sidelines.

“It is just not the same without fans. There are times when you are tired and need the crowd to lift you and get you going.”

Lam’s side, who lost their only pre-season game 20-6 at Salford on Sunday, open their Super League campaign against Leigh on Friday week. And Clubb, who was part of last year’s Grand Final losing team, is desperate to kick on and put last year’s injury-hit season behind him.

An early-season shoulder problem was followed by a serious neck injury, restricting him to just 10 games. He said: “It was a tough year and frustrating for me so hopefully this year will be better. I’m looking forward to it. I’ve had a full pre-season, which I’ve not had for quite a long time, so I’m in good shape and ready to rip in.” Shaun Wane has finally been given a date for his debut as England coach following confirmation of a mid-season international.

The former Wigan boss (left) has been in the role for more than a year but has so far been left kicking his heels because of Covid.

But it will be confirmed today that Wane’s got his wish for an international on June 25 at an as yet unnamed stadium in England. The opposition will be a Combined Nations All-Stars team, made up of non-England players.