Leigh Leopards boss Adrian Lam has revealed that discussions are ongoing about the future of Josh Charnley. The winger has been in the news this week following controversial comments made on a Sky Sports podcast about what could come next in his career.
Speaking about a dream ending to his career, Charnley said he would like to return to Wigan Warriors, where he started out, in order to attempt to claim the try-scoring record. He also revealed that he hasn’t been offered a new deal by Leigh, with his contract ticking down towards expiry.
The reaction to the Wigan comment saw Charnley release a statement through the club on Tuesday and club owner Derek Beaumont has since spoken about his desire to see Charnley stay on at Leigh Sports Village.
As such, the topic was one Adrian Lam was asked about in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Thursday’s clash with St Helens and the Leigh boss confirmed that the club are in talks with the winger.
Leigh Leopards boss answers Josh Charnley future question
“In regard to Josh, the last two weeks have certainly been his best weeks of rugby this year and scoring tries which is what wingers are meant to do,” Lam told the media. “He’s been a part of those victories along with everyone else and hopefully he gets another couple of tries tomorrow night.”
Asked about his future, Lam commented: “It’s ongoing, the discussions. I think Josh put out a statement this week with support of the club and we’ve moved forward in all different areas. He’s playing some good rugby at the moment and obviously he’s a really important part of the team and a fans favourite.
“At this moment in time we’re having conversations about his future here and when and if there’s a time to announce that, we’ll let you know.”
Lam added: “I’ve got a squad of 30 players. As I mentioned Josh has put out a statement and I don’t want to talk too much more about that about from the game, which is probably our biggest game of the season tomorrow night. I don’t want that to be a talking point.
“We’re underway with that and whether it’s a positive outcome or not, that’ll be decided in the future. All I know is he’s playing some good rugby, scored 251 tries, some great assists there off Lachie Lam, who is leading the try assists on that side and hopefully we can get some more for him tomorrow night.”
Charnley has been with the Leopards since joining in June 2022 and in the three years that have passed since, he has scored 58 tries in 76 games, including the two he scored against league leaders Hull KR last time out.
