New signing will take Leigh ‘to another level’ says coach

Adrian Lam believes latest recruit and back-rower Frankie Halton will help take his side to ‘another level’ following his arrival from Hull KR. 

Halton, 26, joined his hometown club on a two-and-a-half-year deal after the Robins agreed to release the Ireland international from his contract at Craven Park. 

The Leopards have already enjoyed a historic year in Super League, claiming their highest amount of wins in the top division with seven just 12 rounds in.

Winger Josh Charnley leads the way in the competition with the most tries with a personal tally of 14, while Lachlan Lam equals the most try assists alongside Wigan’s Harry Smith with 12.

Despite their fine year so far, including a current spot in the play-offs in fifth position, Lam believes new signing Halton can help the side achieve even more.

Lam excited to have Frankie Halton onboard

“It’s really big for us,” head coach Lam said on the back-rower. 

“I’m a really big fan of Frankie Halton and we worked really hard on him coming here, being a local lad and having come through playing reserve grade with us and the style of rugby he plays certainly suits how we want to play.

“I’m really excited about how he fits in. We’ve got some plans about how we grow and develop him as a player. 

“For the Leigh fans, it’s a really good get for us. When you look about where we’re heading in the future, he’s got six or seven years left in the game at least, so it’s part of us building and a part of the retention and recruitment.

“I think a big body coming to us at this time of the season will take us to another level.”

Leigh have won their last four Super League fixtures, as well as securing their place in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals following a win over Wakefield.

Lam’s side will have to be at their best to continue that run, with table toppers Warrington visiting the Leigh Sports Village in Round 13 on Friday.

Halton has been included in Leigh’s 21-man squad, with Lam teasing a potential debut for the former Leigh Miners Rangers junior.

“We’re pretty excited about the future for us.”

“He is a chance,” Lam continued.

“We didn’t bring him here to sit and not play. Whether it’s this week or next, we’ll see how this week goes. 

“He’s looking pretty good at the moment and there’s every reason why he will play. We’ll see where he fits in.”

Ex-Wigan boss Lam also hinted at more future promising signings for the Leopards, adding: “We’re pretty excited about the future for us. Let’s just put it that way.”

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