Lachlan hopes of dad match-up are dashed

WIGAN coach Adrian Lam will miss the chance to face son Lachlan in Sunday’s World Club Challenge after Sydney Roosters ruled him out.

Speculation Lam junior could make his debut a short walk from where he started his career at Wigan St Pats gathered pace when he was included in the Roosters’ 22-man squad.

It was also thought half-back Luke Keary had picked up an injury, increasing his chances of making his debut.

But coach Trent Robinson confirmed that Keary will play and Lam will have to settle for a watching brief against his dad’s team.

Robinson said: “I read about an injury to Luke but he was flying around yesterday and he’s right to go.

“I know Lachlan was a good story for the family, and he’s improved in pre-season and is developing really well.

Slim

“But he’s waiting behind Luke and Cooper Cronk and he won’t make the team.”

Robinson’s only injury doubt is forward Angus Crichton, whose shoulder injury will be assessed tomorrow.

Wigan will also check on centre Dan Sarginson’s ankle complaint, with Lam rating him as 80 per cent fit. But winger Dom Manfredi’s slim hopes of playing following a knee injury are over.

Lam also confirmed that close-season signing Jarrod Sammut – suspended for Super League matches against St Helens and Leeds – will not feature.

Wigan are outsiders with the bookmakers and Lam said: “I don’t think anyone’s giving us a chance on the betting side of things.”

But Robinson responded: “That stuff doesn’t count, that’s just for you guys (the media). Who cares?

“We’re here to play footy, we’re here to perform and we’re in the business of entertainment.

“The reason it’s entertaining is because people can bet on it, discuss it and do lots of things.

“But if we go into every game worrying about that, we’re focusing on the wrong things. It’s just about getting ready to play our football.” MAN of Steel Ben Barba has landed a job driving trucks in Australia following his ban from the NRL.

Barba (right) had been told to find “a new vocation” by NRL boss Todd Greenberg after a physical altercation with partner Ainslie Currie.

Police are still investigating the alleged incident in a casino on Australia Day. Barba was sacked by his new club North Queensland Cowboys, who remain in touch with the player.

Cowboys head of football Peter Parr said: “We are going to help Ben wherever possible. At the end of the day, Ben is a human being with a partner and four