Sydney Roosters head coach Trent Robinson admits he cannot wait to pit his wits against Adrian Lam when his side face Wigan Warriors for the World Club Challenge crown.

Lam is well known to Robinson after spending six years at the Roosters as a player, making almost 150 appearances, before working with the club as a coach at age-group level.

Robinson is also well acquainted with Warriors as a former head coach of fellow Super League club Catalans Dragons, who he spent two seasons from 2011-2012.

And with Robinson likely to include Lam’s son Lachlan in his squad, there are plenty of interesting plotlines as the two sides prepare to battle it out for the title of world champions.

“I’m looking forward to coaching against Adrian – it’s been a good step for him,” he said of former Warrior Lam, who is in interim charge of Wigan until Shaun Edwards takes over in 2020.

“I obviously know the reason why with the year in between coaches with Shaun, it’s a good opportunity for Adrian to go over to his former club and continue his coaching.

“He’s been in this area for a long, long time – his son plays in our squad – he’s coached in our system, so I’m sure Adrian’s looking forward to that opportunity as well.

“It’s good to see someone that’s had a hand in some of our players in this game as well.

“If you love the game of rugby league then you’re going to respect it in all tiers, which is why I have a huge respect for Super League, it gave me my start as head coach.