Adrian Lam excited to help coach Australia at the World Cup

Adrian Lam says he is looking forward to assisting Australia head coach Mal Meninga at the World Cup this autumn as the Kangaroos defend their crown.

Lam, who is the current head coach of Championship side Leigh, will be Mal Meninga’s right-hand man at this year’s World Cup.

The Kangaroos won the last World Cup in 2017 on their home turf. Now, Lam is eager to see how they go in the post Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk era.

Speaking to Love Rugby League, Lam said: “I’m going to be the assistant coach for the Kangaroos for this World Cup. It is something I’ve loved doing since I’ve been involved with them since 2016.

“We are in a building phase there. There has been a big turnover in Mal Meninga’s time in losing Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater. They’ve come and gone. It is an exciting time for rugby league in Australia to see who is next coming through for the Kangaroos.

“There is a job to do there yet with the State of Origin coming up; and then picking a strong squad to come over to England and play in the World Cup.”

Adrian Lam getting goosebumps at thought of World Cup

Lam played for his native Papua New Guinea in two World Cups (1995 & 2000) and coached the Kumuls in the 2008 and 2013 tournaments.

He is excited to play his part in another World Cup – this time when the tournament favourites.

Lam added: “The thought of a World Cup in the UK gets the hairs standing on my back and arms.

“I think it is going to be massive. There is going to be big crowds at all the games. We missed out last year as fans to watch Super League games and the World Cup.

“With it being postponed by 12 months, it has probably done Australia a favour as well to give the players another 12 months to get ready for this.

“When it unfolds in October I’m sure the rugby league fans in this country will get right behind it.

“The players in Australia talk about it all the time. There are very passionate supporters over here and there is a lot of signing at the grounds. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

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