Leigh Leopards boss Adrian Lam has addressed reports linking him with the head coach role at the new Papua New Guinea NRL franchise.
Lam is considered to be a Kumuls legend, with the Leigh boss representing his country of birth as a player before going on to have two stints as coach of the nation. Indeed, Lam is synonymous with PNG rugby league and because of that, he is said to have plenty of supporters for the NRL role.
A report by Wide World of Sports claims senior figures involved with the PNG side, which will enter the NRL in 2028, are keen to take Lam back to the competition down under and the success he is experiencing at Leigh will only be bolstering that interest.
Speaking ahead of the Leopards’ Super League clash with Hull KR on Saturday, though, Lam insisted that he had not been in touch with anyone regarding the role.
Leigh Leopards boss addresses NRL reports
“I’m not aware of that,” Lam told the media during his pre-match press conference when asked about the reports. “I guess it’s always going to be the case, wherever you’re coaching, especially Papua New Guinea where I was captain and coached, there’s always going to be links with me involved in some capacity.
“It’s probably nice to know that they’re looking and if that’s the case we’ll cross that bridge when it happens.
“I know we’re building something really special here. It’s been a lot of hard work to get here and we’re just scratching the surface. I love this place, I love the people involved, I love the fans and that’s all I can say at the moment.
“I guess if we keep winning then maybe interest will come from outside, that’s what happens when you’re in these situations, including players as well. We’ve lost a few players with the success we’ve had to the NRL and I’m sure that players and coaches will be identified through that success.
Pushed on whether he had spoken about the role, he added: “No, I’ve had no contact with it. Not at this point. I’m sure all that stuff will heat up but we’ll wait and see.”
