After suspicions of a move to Hull FC surfaced, head coach Adrian Lam agreed a contract extension with Leigh Leopards, giving the team’s 2025 plans a significant boost. Lam is committed to the Leigh Sports Village through the end of the 2027 season, per his new contract.
Lam has been in charge of a significant overhaul at Leigh. The club had their roots in the Championship when he joined. Lam managed a 2022 campaign that resulted in a promotion and an 1895 Cup victory. The following season, in 2023, he led the Leopards back to the Super League and they finished in the top four, winning the Challenge Cup.
With his level of accomplishment, Lam was bound to draw attention from the NRL and other Super League teams. Lam has now disclosed how close he was to quitting the club prior to accepting his deal. In addition, he has given an update on Lachlan Lam’s future with the Leopards, who has played a significant role in Lam’s success throughout his tenure as manager.
Adrian Lam discussed how close he was to leaving the Leopards before agreeing to an extension when appearing on Sky Sports’ The Verdict. He was allegedly on the shortlist for the South Sydney Rabbitohs opening and has spoken with Hull FC. According to Lam, it is your responsibility as a professional to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.
As a professional, Lam clarified, “you have to look at the opportunities that are there to take the best one moving forward when you’re coming off contract.”
He continued by saying that other NRL and Super League teams were interested in him. Nevertheless, he feels that at this point in his career, Leigh is the ideal club for him.
“Super League and the NRL both expressed interest in me, but there are decisions in rugby league and in my career that you have to make sure you make the right ones. And with Leigh, I believe I ultimately accomplished it.
Lam continued by addressing speculation about the future of his son. Leigh have had a number of well-known exits in the last few weeks. Oliver Holmes and John Asiata will join Hull FC, and Zak Hardaker is reportedly on the verge of doing the same. Tom Amone will depart the team at the end of the current campaign to sign a contract with the Canterbury Bulldogs, as was previously revealed.
Lachlan Lam, Lam’s son, has been an important member of the Leigh Leopards in recent years. He’s been connected to moving away as well. Lam clarified that Lachlan hopes to play in the NRL again in the future. He does, however, have a one-year contract with Leigh. Adrian Lam, nevertheless, would not obstruct his son should a move to the NRL be anticipated.
“Lachlan has a deal with Leigh for this year and the following year, and like all Australian players, Lachlan has aspirations of returning to play in the NRL.
“Knowing how enormous that possibility would be, I won’t stand in his way if that opportunity does arise.
We would encourage them and not go in the way of them, just like any other players who would make that decision. When they came to us, several of the players we have produced were unknown.
“We will make it through and we will be fine; Lachlan has been amazing to us and has given us wonderful memories.”
