Leigh Leopards coach gives verdict on Josh Charnley loan move

Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has spoken on the chances of star winger Josh Charnley leaving the club on a loan deal.

Charnley, who turns 34 today, is off contract at the end of the season and has not played since Round 12 with that appearance against Hull FC coming from off the bench.

The winger sits on 249 tries, the second-most in Super League history but he’s only managed to add one to his tally this season. Opportunities now look hard to come by with Darnell McIntosh and Keanan Brand looking to lock down the starting wing positions at Leigh.

That’s understandably led to suggestions that Charnley could be set for a loan move and that’s something that Adrian Lam has confirmed would be considered, as he expressed his belief that the 34-year-old needs game time.

Speaking to the media ahead of Friday night’s clash versus Leeds Rhinos, Lam explained: “If there is a (loan) opportunity there, because I feel that Josh may need to keep playing rugby, if we make that decision to find Josh a club to go on loan to, we’ll make that decision as each week progresses.”

Leigh Leopards to consider loaning Josh Charnley out

Charnley has been named in the 21-man squad to face Leeds Rhinos and could even be selected so Lam has confirmed that any loan exit will not happen this week, but could become an option down the line.

He explained: “That won’t happen this week, but obviously may come into play next week depending on our situation. So he’s an important member of the squad, loved by all the players. No change there.

“He’s working hard to get back in that team, and he’s not far off. So we’ll do what’s best by the club next week moving forward.”

On Charnley’s recent omissions from the squad, Lam said: “Obviously, it’s not ideal for him that Josh is not in the 17.

“We picked the team based off merit, and that’s been communicated very, very clearly to Josh and all other players outside of that 17.”

Leigh had named a 20-man squad for their clash with Leeds Rhinos after Alec Tuitavake was banned with Lam explaining that he’s content with naming a smaller squad.

🐆 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗧𝗢 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗦

This is the squad Adrian has selected for Round 16 pic.twitter.com/vHDimzcQkz

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) June 25, 2025