Amidst rumours of Hull FC making an approach, Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has stated that the team has offered head coach Adrian Lam a new contract.
Since Smith was fired in early April, the Black & Whites have been without a head coach for about a month. Several coaches have been connected to the position.
Paul Rowley, the manager of Salford Red Devils, has reportedly rejected an offer to take over at Hull, and Brian McDermott, the head coach of the Leeds Rhinos, has reportedly also rejected one.
Lam was on the FC shortlist, as revealed by sky Sports on Friday night. Pundit Jon Wilkin even suggested that FC would try to entice Lam’s son, Lachlan Lam, to move to Humberside with his father.
The increasing rumours stem from Hull’s acquisition of current Leigh captain John Asiata, who is expected to earn approximately £220,000 year, on a three-year contract starting in 2025.
Since then, Beaumont has criticised Hull for their manner of announcing the transaction, labelling it “not good behaviour at all” and casting doubt on FC’s actions, branding them as “desperate.”
Beaumont has acknowledged that the salary that Asiata would earn at Hull has “staggered” him, citing the Airlie Birds’ strong financial position and obvious intention to squander the cash under new director of rugby Richie Myler.
Speaking about the rumours involving Lam, Beaumont disclosed that the team has extended an offer to their head coach in an effort to retain the guy who won the Challenge Cup the previous year.
In a speech to the supporters, Beaumont also acknowledged that Lam makes the final decision and that Hull’s “crazy offers” do not ensure his signature.
Beaumont informed his followers, “Trust the process, trust in me, trust in Lammy, Chezzy (Chris Chester), & Jukesy (Neil Jukes).”
“We’d like to keep Lammy (Adrian Lam), and he’s had a three-year deal put to him,” he said. It is up to the individual making the offer if they want to accept the uncertainty that comes with accepting someone who is making outrageous demands.
“I promise that our club will be spending the entire salary cap as we currently do, with all three of your permitted marquee quotas, and with a top-tier coach.”it’s my pledge, and I believe it’s all that anyone truly needs to know.
Beaumont omitted to address any rumours that Lachlan Lam would join his father to Hull, although the celebrity half-back is contracted to the Leopards until the end of 2025.
The playmaker, who last season kicked the game-winning drop-goal to win Leigh the Challenge Cup, extended his contract in August of last year in order to remain at Leigh Sports Village and ward off interest from the NRL and Super League.
As a result, Hull would have to pay Leigh a transfer fee in addition to Lam’s large wage, making FC’s attempt to sign Adrian-Lachlan Lam twice as expensive.
But based on the Asiata acquisition, it appears that the Black & Whites have the money and that Myler and Chairman Adam Pearson are willing to spend it in order to turn the team around.
