There’s been plenty of talk about Lachlan Lam recently, with suggestions of a move away from Leigh Leopards potentially gaining momentum.
There have been a large number of reports – so here is a round-up of all the news – so far.
According to Rugby League Live, he has been offered to Super League clubs – with Lachlan Lam and his representatives activating the clause in this contract with Leigh that would allow him to head elsewhere.
This is despite him being contracted through 2025, with the Leopards are disputing the legitimacy of the clause, as they say it doesn’t apply to Super League sides, just NRL. It’s yet to be determined whether this clause is able to be used, but this won’t stop the constant speculation.
Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has been coy when asked about the topic, saying last week: “Like I’ve said all along, I’m pretty direct down the line of: it’s not a talking point for me, really.”
Lachlan Lam’s potential destinations
Credit: Imago Images
Hull Live is reporting that Hull FC are keen to make the signing themselves to bring a Dream Team halfback to the club. The offer is set to be ‘huge’ and they are confident of striking a deal despite Lam having another year on his contract. That’s because a clause in his contract is alleged to have already been activated which would allow him to move at the end of the current Super League campaign.
Even after the plethora of signings they have already made, Hull FC are looking to make yet another addition from under the nose of Derek Beaumont, further to John Asiata, Zak Hardaker and more.
Catalans Dragons are reportedly another side interested – after already signing half-back Luke Keary from NRL side Sydney Roosters for 2025.
A major positive for any side interested in the signing is that he doesn’t take up a quota spot due to playing in the British community game when he was younger.
Where are we with the Lachlan Lam saga now?
Credit: Imago Images
Hull FC are reportedly still chasing the signing, with the player and his representatives ‘seriously considering’ the offer from the club.
It’s reportedly a ‘marquee’ offer, and it’s another sign of Hull FC flexing their financial muscle for next year after going through this season someway short of the salary cap.
Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks went as far as to claim the deal was done. Speaking live on air, she said: “It looks like Hull FC have got their latest man from the Leigh Leopards. It is believed that Lam has activated a clause in his contract that will enable him to leave at the end of the year.”
A couple of months ago, head coach (and father of Lachlan) Adrian Lam told Sky Sports: “Lachlan is contracted for this year and next. Like all players who come from Australia, they have an opportunity and a dream to go back and play in the NRL and that’s Lachlan’s as well.
“If that opportunity comes up, I won’t stand in Lachlan’s way. I understand how important that is to him, if he decides to go down that path. Like all other players who will make that choice when it comes up, we’ll support them and we won’t stand in the way.”
Therefore, it’s clear that the club wouldn’t completely rule out letting him go if it was up to them, but his comments were talking about an NRL opportunity, not a move to Hull FC or another Super League club, and it may not even be up to the club if this contract clause does allow him to get out of his contract to join a Super League side.
We’re now just facing a waiting game to determine the validity of the clause for Super League offers.
Lam also added his thoughts on his future last night when questioned after Leigh’s win at Castleford Tigers.
Read the full story here.
