Adrian Lam’s message to Willie Peters after Hull KR boss lands PNG Chiefs role

Following Willie Peters’ appointment as the new PNG Chiefs head coach, Leigh Leopards boss Adrian Lam has sent a message to the Hull KR coach.

Peters will leave the Robins at the end of the season to give himself a full 12 months to prepare for the Chiefs’ inaugural season in the NRL.

The former South Sydney assistant has been vocal about his desire to coach in the Oceanic competition, and will now get that chance, doing so with the backing of one of PNG’s best ever rugby league players.

Lam, who himself had been linked with the head coach role, represented his country both as an international player and coach, so knows exactly what it means to be in Peters’ shoes.

The Leigh boss was asked by Serious About Rugby League in his weekly press conference today [Wednesday] what it meant for the country to have Peters as the Chiefs’ man at the helm.

Lam said: “I think Willie certainly deserved an opportunity to coach at his choice. For the country, it’s an incredible opportunity they’ve got as a country to enter that NRL in 2028.

“I’m sure there’s a lot of work to do there and all the best to him with how that unfolds.”

Peters’ appointment will be music to the ears of Leopards fans, as it means their current coach could stick around for a while longer.

Asked if there was any sort of pressure relief now that his name is out of the rumour mill, Lam coolly replied: “That hasn’t bothered me one bit, to be honest. I’ve got other things to worry about rather than whether my name’s in the hat with that.

“It’s a day-to-day proposition here, as I said, and we’re just trying to work hard here to get us back on track.”

Willie Peters, Brad Arthur’s Leeds Rhinos future, RTS and Rivals Round previewed – Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show