Adrian Lam ‘loving rugby league more than ever’ as Leigh boss confirms contract situation

Adrian Lam admits he’s loving working in the sport more than he’s ever done as the Leigh boss confirms his current contract situation.

Lam, 52, was appointed as Leigh’s new head coach ahead of the 2021 Championship campaign following three seasons with Wigan in Super League.

He led the then-Centurions to promotion to Super League, beating Batley in the Championship Grand Final before the club underwent their rebrand to Leigh Leopards for their return to top flight.

The side have already claimed more points in Super League than any previous season, and are currently enjoying a winning streak of five games in league and Challenge Cup. 

Most recently, Lam’s side cemented their place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals with a 40-12 win over Wakefield, while in Super League they sit inside the play-offs in fifth position with seven wins from 12.

Lam is relishing the current campaign, ticking off multiple milestones along the way, including their first win over Huddersfield since the ‘80s and Josh Charnley crossing for more Super League tries than any previous Leigh player in the top division. 

The ex-Papua New Guinea international also confirmed his current contract situation to Love Rugby League.

Adrian Lam: Leigh winning games is great for the sport

“I signed a two-year deal, so I’ve got next year as well, I’m not going anywhere,” Lam said. 

“I’m loving rugby league more than I’ve ever done at the moment, and I think the town and the supporters have had much to cheer about of late. 

“Things are working out for us. I know it can turn quickly, but I think it’s a really good time at the moment to be a Leigh player, staff member or fan around town. 

“We’ve got to keep that ticking over and buzzing for us, because it’s a sleeping giant the local community here, close to Wigan and part of Borough and I just think for Super League and rugby league in general in this country, I think Leigh winning games is great for the sport.”

The impressive Leopards host Super League leaders Warrington this Friday in Super League in the biggest test of their credentials yet. 

Daryl Powell’s side claimed a 38-20 victory in the reveres fixture at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Round Five, with Lam insisting there’s still more left in his side.

“I still think we feel we have a couple of levels to go.”

He continued: “There’s a good vibe around the place and it’s taken us 11 weeks to get into the top six, so we’re just being conscience about the fact that it’s taken a long time to get in there, we want to hold [that spot] and keep getting better and working hard together.

“We’ve got a real tough game this week, but the run we’ve been on has been exceptional for the town, the club and for me as a coach.

“We’re working hard and I think we’re defending really well. I still think we feel we have a couple of levels to go to as a team and hopefully we’ll get there as soon as possible.

“I think we embarrassed ourselves a little bit last time we went there [to Warrington].

“We weren’t us and didn’t play the way we want to be as a club.

“We’ve now got some confidence behind us and the challenge will be massive, but it’s exactly where we want to be as a club.” 

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