Per reports in Australia, Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has stood down from his role as assistant coach for Australia and is set to be replaced by former St Helens boss Justin Holbrook.
It’s an unexpected change given that Adrian Lam told the press in May that he intended to remain in the role until the World Cup which is set for 2026, with Lam having been very in-demand of late.
That was reported by Love Rugby League who quoted Lam as explaining that he intends to work alongside head coach Mal Meninga in his goal to win three World Cups in a row.
Love Rugby League quoted Adrian Lam as saying: “I think he’s been extended by another three years which takes him to the next World Cup and no Australian coach has ever won three World Cups in a row, I’m going to be a part of that and he wants me to be a part of that.
“That excites me and I want to be a part of that, I’ve talked to the club about that, I think it’s really important for us, it gives us a presence internationally as well and it also keeps one foot in the door with the players that are in the NRL.”
In a twist reported today, Adrian Lam is now alleged to have stepped down with Holbrook in line to replace him.
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Adrian Lam set for coaching departure
Credit: Imago Images
That is being reported by News Corp down under who claim that both Adrian Lam and Michale Hagan, both of whom have been in the Australian set-up since 2016 will step down from their respective roles.
The decision is a surprise in light of Lam’s comments reported by Love Rugby League but the change comes after one of the worst ever losses that the Aussies suffered at the hands of rivals New Zealand when the Kiwis beat them 30-0 in the Pacific Championships last year.
The duo are set to be replaced by current Sydney Roosters assistant and former St Helens coach Justin Holbrook, whilst Brett White will retain his coaching gig.
As well as the change meaning that Adrian Lam will lose his role in the Australia set-up, it means that Holbrook will lose his current international job which is head coach of Papua New Guinea who he led to the Pacific Bowl victory in 2023.
Holbrook will have to forfeit that job in favour of the Australian assistant role which would open up the PNG Kumuls head coaching role, something that PNG national Adrian Lam could even be interested in given his comments about retaining a foothold in the NRL previously.
