Leigh Leopards get their 2026 Challenge Cup campaign underway later today, and boss Adrian Lam has been reflecting on his prior experiences in the competition.
Lam has been either a player or a coach in the British game for many years, and has a rich history with the knockout competition.
From winning the competition at Murrayfield, Edinburgh for Wigan in 2002, to guiding the Leopards to success Wembley in 2023, the Leigh boss has many happy memories of the Cup, and he is hoping to create more of those this season.
The PNG icon spoke to Serious About Rugby League earlier this week, and as well as providing an injury update, including the updated timescale for David Armstrong’s return, he reflected on his memories in the Challenge Cup.
“I was fortunate to play, and win, in one,” Lam said with a smile. “I’m [also] now a coach who is a winner of a Challenge Cup.
“The one that we won a a couple of years ago [2023] was incredible. I just want to get back there again and experience that, for the new players that have come in, too.
“It was a great moment for the town. They’ve not forgotten that. It’s unbelievable how three years have already passed since that moment.
Leigh emerged as Wembley winners over Hull KR, as Lachlan Lam’s late drop-goal secured the victory over the Robins, earning the side their first Challenge Cup trophy in over 50 years.
The club have every chance of getting back to the capital this year, and with the squad they have put together, it would be hard to back against them.
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An extra thing that will be spurring the side on is the way in which they exited last year’s tournament.
The Leopards bowed out of the competition after defeat to Warrington Wolves, as Sam Burgess’ side scraped through with a 21-14 victory.
Lam believes his side didn’t produce their best in that semi-final, something he hopes will change this time around.
“[Final appearances] don’t come around that often,” he explained. “We dipped out last year in an average way, we felt.
“We were really poised to potentially make another Challenge Cup Final, and Warrington just outplayed us in that one.
“We’ve still got some bitter thoughts on that, but it all starts again this weekend, so we’ve just got to make sure that our attitude is bang on.
The Leopards take on North Wales Crusaders tonight, and streaming information for the game can be found here.
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