I will continue his coaching career with the Leopards into a fourth season next year, having signed a contract extension until the end of 2027.
The 53-year-old, who was appointed ahead of the 2022 season, instantly guided the club back to Super League in his first season, before leading them to a top six finish and success in the Challenge Cup final the following year.
While this season has been tougher for Leigh on the field, the Leopards were always confident they could convince Lam to remain beyond the end of his current contract this season. Love Rugby League revealed earlier this month how Leigh were optimistic on that front.
But Hull FC was very much interested, and Lam had only lately acknowledged that he had discussed taking over at the MKM Stadium the next season with the Black and Whites.
However, Lam has decided to stay with Leigh for the upcoming season, making him the second Super League coach to decline a job offer at Hull. The first was Salford’s Paul Rowley, who declined a formal offer from FC.
Hull never treated Lam in such a formal manner—talks were all that happened. In any case, it gives Leigh a significant boost as they consider the future.
Lam says all the speculation regarding his future in recent weeks was ‘outside noise’ – and that he is as committed now as he was when he first took charge back in 2022.
On signing his new long-term deal with Leigh, Lam said: “I promised you a five-year plan and this extension shows that I’m as committed to this club now as I was in game one in the Championship. The journey I’ve been on with these boys has been absolutely amazing.
Being a representative of this club is an enormous honor. I knew this club didn’t belong in the Championship when I first arrived and that it was a sleeping giant. It was amazing to return to Super League and to bring the Challenge Cup back to Leigh for the first time in more than 50 years.
However, that wasn’t the end point; it was just a portion of the trip. Because of our amazing fans, there is so much more I want to do for this team. This season has started out rough for us, with ups and downs and players missing games due to injuries, but one thing has been constant: you, the supporters.
“You’ll never know how much your support means to me—you are our club’s lifeblood, and I genuinely care about each and every one of you—because words can never express how much I appreciate it.
“I know there has been a lot of discussion about my future in the past few weeks, but it was just background chatter. I am so appreciative that Derek Beaumont, Neil Jakes, and Chezy Chester (Chris Chester) wish to continue this trip with me because Leigh has become my home and the Leythers my people. I’m grateful.
Chris Chester, the head of rugby at Leopards, continued, “I’m thrilled that Adrian has agreed to a three-year commitment with the club. He has played a crucial role in the club’s recent success.
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