Phil Clarke’s surprise tip for the Man of Steel award

Leigh Leopards started their season magnificently on Friday night.

After a terrific performance from band Scouting For Girls, a sublime fireworks display all the while a great atmosphere built, Leigh showed what they can do when a lovely Lachlan Lam pass allowed Josh Charnley to cross.

Though they eventually lost 20-10 against the Red Devils, it was a great performance that shows the Leopards can compete in 2023.

The display also left Sky Sports pundits wax-lyrical about one Leigh star in the shape of Lam.

Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan said of the young halfback:

“Young Lachlan Lam was outstanding with his short kicking game. The little nuances and the shows of patience in it.

“He really helped them create pressure. He produces a lovely pass for the try. He’s a developing young kid. We’re all talking about how much quality he’s got.”

Meanwhile, Phil Clarke suggested that he could be this year’s Brodie Croft and win the Man of Steel:

“Could he be the Brodie Croft for Leigh this season? Could he go on and win the Man of Steel. We saw Brodie Croft win it last year from an unexpected position. Lam has to try and step up.”

Meanwhile, Brian Carney has no doubts that he can step up to this level in 2023:

“He has done it in pre-season and the World Cup, so there’s nothing to suggest he can’t step up.”