Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has shared an update on the off-contract status of forward Isaac Liu with the veteran’s professionalism hailed.
Liu, who turns 35 later this month, is in his second season with the Leopards but his deal with Leigh is set to expire at the end of the season.
The three-time NRL winner has been a standout during his time with the Leopards and even in the tough season that Leigh have endured so far, Adrian Lam believes the veteran loose forward has stood up.
“He’s one of our leaders. He’s been awesome for us,” Lam said when speaking to the press ahead of Friday’s trip away to York.
“I thought he was unbelievable on the weekend. I thought our three middle players with him and (Joe) Ofahengaue and also Robbie Mulhern were awesome in a big game.”
Despite suffering a loss to Warrington Wolves and ultimately being knocked out of the Challenge Cup, Lam explained how he hoped that the performance would serve as a turning point in terms of the club’s standards with Liu playing a key role in that.
The Leigh boss said: “As much as we wanted to win that game, I’m glad that (performance) has arrived at the time it has because there was an improvement in us and a higher intensity. We seemed a completely different team from our perspective.
“That’s our standards moving forward now but Isaac certainly leads all of that. I think he played every game last year, so he’s durable, but he’s a great leader as well.”
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Leigh Leopards open contract talks with Isaac Liu
With such dominant performances coming in 2025 and a strong start to 2026 despite a lack of results, Lam was asked if the club are looking at extending the veteran’s stay.
“I think so. We’re in the process of talking to him as we speak,” Lam revealed.
“He’s an important part of the group. He’s a popular member of the team. He’s got a funny side about him, as much as he is physical and tough. He does all the hard stuff on the field but he’s always got a bit of a joke about him. He’s a big part of the group.
“He’s the ultimate professional. He takes care of himself. He’s in early, he’s out late. He does everything he possibly can.”
Speaking further on just how professional the veteran forward is, Lam noted the sad loss of Liu’s mum, with the club allowing the 34-year-old leave to return home to New Zealand.
Lam explained: “He had to leave and go home early in the season unfortunately with his mum’s passing but he’s been professional through all of that. Since he’s been back, he’s been the ultimate professional.”
