Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has revealed “one of the highlights of (his) career” as a head coach.
With a win over St Helens this week, they confirmed their place in the play-offs – with fifth place secured.
Going in 12-0 at half-time, they held on thanks to tries from John Asiata, Josh Charnley and Ricky Leutele.
After just one win in their first eight games this year, this looked a long way off for the Leopards, but 11 wins in their final 13 games of the season made it possible.
The only two losses in this period were against Wigan Warriors and Hull KR, the top two in the league – which means they may well see themselves as contenders for the Grand Final.
“One of the highlights of my career” – Adrian Lam on Leigh Leopards reaching the play-offs
Credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Asked about their eliminator opponents, Salford Red Devils, Lam said in the post-match press conference: “I’m not bothered by who it is.
“If we played at our best potential then we can beat anyone on our day. Salford will be confident at home.
“They’re in the top four and have earned the right to play at home. They’ll feel that they’re favourites to win this and they probably should be.
“But we’re not finished yet. We’ve still got a heartbeat. That heart beat’s been going since round thirteen of the season.”
He also explained the significance of the achievement for himself and Leigh Leopards, saying: “I think I remember saying at some point in the first half of the season that if we made the six from that point then it would probably be one of the highlights of my career personally as a coach.
“That’s two years in a row now we’ve finished fifth and we’re still going. So there’s an opportunity next to finish fourth and then it goes and goes.”
The Red Devils made 17 changes to their 21-man squad this week, and that young side lost 64-0 to Wigan Warriors.
