Leigh Leopards boss Adrian Lam was full of praise for his side after securing a spot in Super League’s top four.
The Leopards knew that a win over St Helens would be enough to secure a home elimination play-off tie and they got the job done in style, beating Paul Wellens’ side 28-10 at Leigh Sports Village. As such, they can now look forward to a play-off game against either Wakefield Trinity, St Helens or Hull FC, depending on whether they finish third or fourth, and they’ll more than fancy their chances of progressing to the final four.
Andy Badrock and Keanan Brand gave Leigh a well deserved 12-0 lead against the Saints and although St Helens bit back, making the most of two mistakes from Bailey Hodgson to touch down, Leigh powered home with three second half tries.
Jack Hughes, Edwin Ipape and Owen Trout all touched down for the Leopards with the last one sparking a carnival atmosphere at Leigh.
Adrian Lam assesses Leigh Leopards win
“I thought it was a tough game, one that we needed,” Lam told Sky Sports after the game. “Both teams had a lot to play for and at times we were outstanding.
“It’s just about us and growing who we are and what we do both on and off the field. It’s our fourth year here and we’ve climbed the ladder to a higher position every time.
“The trajectory is in the right direction. the stadium is full, the corporate side of things is massive and the most important part is the rugby on the field which is doing good.
“We won’t get ahead of ourselves, it’s another win and it puts us in third spot and that’s for us to hold into our first home semi-final if we can do the job next week.”
Asked about his son, Lachlan Lam, who picked up his 40th try assist of the season in setting up Keanan Brand, which is 10 more than any other Super League player, Lam added: “We’re not a one man team obviously but he’s been influential in a lot of the style we play in. He’s a big part and I thought overall as a team tonight we were awesome.”
