It isn't easy for Wigan Warriors coach Adrian Lam to plot against the Sydney Roosters in the World Club Challenge.
A former Queensland halfback, Lam played 146 first grade matches for the Roosters before making 119 appearances in Wigan colours to finish his playing career.
The 48-year-old also coached in Sydney's junior representative ranks prior to joining the Warriors in an interim capacity for the 2019 season.
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So you could understand if Lam felt somewhat conflicted heading into the clash on Monday morning (AEDT).
Testing his loyalties further, Lam's son – the talented half Lachlan – is part of the Roosters' NRL squad and could potentially face his father's side.
Lam readily admits he still feels tightly bonded to the Roosters but is determined to beat the reigning NRL premiers.
"I've been fortunate to play for both clubs, over 100 games with both clubs, so I love both clubs," said Lam.
"Obviously my heart's with Wigan at the moment, I've got a job to do here, but I'm looking forward to the event."
Lam, whose Warriors are 1–1 after two rounds of the Super League season, is predicting a gung-ho start to the WCC.
"I feel a lot of the players have had a long off-season, from both clubs, and both [sides are] raring to go," he said.
Lam expects an extremely high-quality affair between two of rugby league's most professional teams.
"In Super League, Wigan have been outstanding for here for 10 years, and the Roosters have been outstanding there [NRL] for 10 years.
"We've been working really hard on the crowd and making sure they get to the game, because it's going to be one of the best games that they've seen for a long time."