Adrian Lam says David Armstrong is just ‘scratching the surface’ of what he is capable of in a Leigh Leopards shirt. Armstrong has starred for the Leopards over the opening month of Super League, with the full-back touching down for three tries in three league appearances since making the move from Newcastle Knights.
That includes an effort against Huddersfield Giants and a brace last time out in the 22-22 draw with Hull FC at the MKM Stadium. All three of his outings have been impressive but the Australian’s efforts last week were particularly eye catching, having struggled with illness for a period leading up to the contest.
He somehow gathered the strength to the take to the field, with Lam drafting him into the side on the day of the game, and in truth, he terrorised Hull’s defensive line with his speed and sharpness off the mark.
Lam has understandably been delighted with what he has seen from Armstrong so far this season, but he believes it will be another month or two before the 23-year-old is firing on all cylinders.
“Yes and no,” Lam said when asked by Serious About RL if he was surprised by how quickly Armstrong had adapted to Super League. “We recruited him because we were aware of what he is capable of doing but I think he is only scratching the surface to be fair.
“I think he has another four or five levels from where he is at at the moment. He’s lost a lot of weight over the last two weeks and he didn’t train before Hull FC, he scored two tries there.
“Once he settles in here and I’m going to give him 10 rounds to get his best, we have to be patient with that and he’ll get some things wrong at points and things he’ll learn from, it’s all part of the progression.”
Leigh Leopards take a break from Super League this weekend as they take on Batley Bulldogs in the Challenge Cup, but as it stands they are one of just two unbeaten sides remaining in the top flight, with Hull KR, next week’s round five opponents, being the only side to have won all four of their opening games.
“We had a particular goal that was set for the first quarter of the season but to be in a position we are at the moment is a positive mentality to have,” Lam added. “We’ve changed a lot in our pre-season this year and it doesn’t guarantee that things are going to be better for the season, it just gives you a different perspective from the start, which we were really poor at last season with so many injuries and we’re starting to get a few niggling ones now.
“We can’t get ahead of ourselves but I think everyone has worked hard to get here and we have to maintain it through, especially over this next month of rugby.”
Impressed by David Armstrong’s performance in Round 1? 🔥
The best bits from his @LeighLeopardsRL #SuperLeague debut 👇 pic.twitter.com/xgPjU7uIHW
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 14, 2025
