Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has discussed the allegations made against his star player and son Lachlan with the 27-year-old alleged to have used ‘unacceptable language’ in the win over Wakefield Trinity.
The Leopards’ playmaker was placed on report midway through the second-half of that victory with Trinity’s Mason Lino making an allegation of ‘unacceptable language’.
Speaking on Friday night post-match, Adrian Lam explained that he didn’t know that the report was for at the time and that he’d learn more and go from there.
Monday saw the Match Review Panel assess the initial report and it was determined that no immediate action would take place with the incident referred to the RFL Compliance Unit, with both Leigh and Wakefield invited to present evidence.
Consequently, any hearing won’t take place until at least next week meaning Lachlan Lam is free to play against Wigan Warriors and his father and coach, when asked, was keen to underline that no charge had been brought.
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Leigh Leopards won’t be distracted by Lachlan Lam controversy
Speaking to the media today (Tuesday), Adrian Lam said: “There was no charge from the Match Review Panel about that and I’m not too sure exactly what stage that is at but I think all I will say about it is that officials from our club will deal with that as it unfolds.
“We’ve got nothing too much to be concerned about in our opinion.”
Whilst all that plays out behind the scenes, it would be understandable if the process and the allegation became a distraction but the head coach was firm and confident that would not be the case.
He responded: “That’s the key word, the key word is distraction. We’re pretty confident here, very, very confident in fact but I don’t want to focus on that.
“I’ve got a lot other things to be concerned about, including picking the best 17 to play, so that’s not going to interfere with the way I think, or the players, or even Lachlan. We’ve moved on from that quite quickly.”
One of those big selection issues that Adrian Lam references is if Ethan O’Neill returns to the fold or not with the second-rower named as 18th man last week.
“He’s always got a chance,” explained Lam, adding: “It’s a decision that we’ll probably make on game day after captain’s run but he’s certainly not out of it.
“He’s a quality player and he’s played some of his best rugby against Wigan as well, so we’ll keep that in mind.”
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