Adrian Lam harbours NRL goal but is ‘enjoying’ time with Leigh Leopards: ‘I’ve got the best job in the world’

Adrian Lam has admitted he does have an ambition to coach in the NRL amidst speculation he is being courted for roles in Australia – but has played down an exit from Leigh in the near future, saying there are ‘more good times ahead’ at the Leopards.

Lam has overseen a remarkable transformation at Leigh, helping the club to their first Challenge Cup title in over 50 years at the weekend with their dramatic victory against Hull KR. That has, perhaps inevitably, brought his name into the conversation of those in Australia.

Reports had suggested he was on the radar of NRL clubs as a potential coach of interest given his exploits at the Leopards.

But Lam told Love Rugby League that while he does harbour ambitions to return to Australia and coach, that time has not arrived yet.

“That’s what happens I guess when you have that success and I’m okay with that,” Lam said.

“It was a goal to coach in the NRL one day and hopefully I’ll get there one day. I’ll allow the Gods of rugby league to dictate that but I’m enjoying my time here, I’ve got the best job in the world.

“The support I’ve got from Derek Beaumont, Chris Chester and Neil Jukes is brilliant, I’m a happy coach and I love it here.

“We’re building something here. Our recruitment and retention for next year… We’ll have a better team next year.

“There’s a five-year plan and there’s more good times ahead. I’ll just stick to the day to day stuff and allow the NRL stuff to take care of itself. If it’s meant to be, we can talk about it then.”

Adrian Lam previews Leigh Leopards clash with Catalans Dragons

Leigh return to league action on Saturday with a huge Super League clash against table-topping Catalans Dragons.

Lam admits it is a game they must win to have any chance of finishing top, with the Dragons moving six points ahead of Leigh if they win.

He did, however, warn of a hangover from last weekend’s historic exploits at Wembley, saying he expects a lull in the next couple of weeks.

“We might turn up Saturday and play our best game of the year, but it’s highly unlikely,” he said.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if we did, but all we can do is address the situation and then it’s up to the players.

“We did lack a bit of intensity today in training, which is what we expected. I’m okay with what happens this week because if we stick together as a group we’ll be fine.”

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