Adrian Lam reveals how close he came to becoming Hull FC head coach

Leigh Leopards’ plans for 2025 were given a major boost recently, as head coach Adrian Lam signed a contract extension with the club after rumours of a move to Hull FC. Lam’s new deal ties him to the Leigh Sports Village until the end of the 2027 season.

Lam has overseen a major transformation at Leigh. When he joined the club, they were firmly rooted in the Championship. Lam oversaw a promotion-winning run in 2022, as well as winning the 1895 Cup. He then steered the Leopards to a Challenge Cup win and a top-four finish in their first season back in Super League in 2023.

On the back of such success, it was inevitable that Lam would attract interest from other Super League clubs and from the NRL. Now, Lam has provided an insight into how close he came to leaving the club, before agreeing his extension. He has also provided an update on Lachlan Lam’s future with the Leopards, who has been a major part of Lam’s success during his time in charge.

Lam reveals ‘multiple offers’ and Hull FC talks

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Verdict, Adrian Lam has revealed how close he came to leaving the Leopards before signing an extension. He was rumoured to have spoken to Hull FC, and featured on the shortlist for the South Sydney Rabbitohs vacancy. Lam believes, as a professional, you have to consider all opportunities which are presented to you.

“As a professional when you’re coming off contract, you have got to look at the opportunities that are there to take the best one moving forward,” Lam explained.

He went on to reveal that he received interest from other Super League and NRL clubs. However, he believes Leigh is the right club for him at this stage in his career.

“There was interest from the NRL and here in Super League but there are things in Rugby league, and in my career, that you’ve got to make sure you make the right decisions. And, I think I did that in the end with Leigh.”

Lam will not stop Leigh players leaving

Lam went on to address rumours regarding his son’s future. Leigh have been hit by a series of high profile departures in recent weeks. John Asiata and Oliver Holmes will move to Hull FC, with Zak Hardaker rumoured to be close to following them. It was confirmed earlier that Tom Amone will leave the club at the end of the season, taking up a deal with the Canterbury Bulldogs.

Lam’s son, Lachlan Lam, has been a key player for Leigh Leopards in recent years. He has also been linked with a move away. Lam explained that Lachlan has ambitions to return to the NRL in the future. However, he is under contract at Leigh for another season. However, Adrian Lam would not stand in his son’s way if an NRL move was on the cards.

“Lachlan is contracted to Leigh for this year and the next year and like all players that come from Australia, they have a dream to go back and play in the NRL and that’s Lachlan’s as well.

“If that opportunity does come up then I won’t stand in his way because I know how big that chance would be. Like all players that would make that choice, we would support them and not stand in their way. We have developed players that were no names when they came to us.

“We will be ok and we will survive, Lachlan has been unbelievable for us and has created great memories for us.”