Adrian Lam makes Leigh Leopards contract decision after Hull FC discussions

Leigh Leopards have confirmed that head coach Adrian Lam has signed a new three-year contract with the club, bringing an end to speculation that he could become the new head coach of Hull FC. Lam, who was off-contract at the end of the season, has committed his long-term future to the club in a deal that will see him tied down until the end of the 2027 season.

Lam has enjoyed great success with the Leopards, guiding them back to Super League in his first season in charge before lifting the Challenge Cup Final last year, the first time the club had done so in over half a century.

Super League's Coach of the Year on two occasions, Lam had been linked with the vacant job at the MKM Stadium, with Hull FC's director of rugby, Richie Myler, confirming there had been a conversation. He will, however, be staying at Leigh Sports Village.

“I am delighted to be able to secure Adrian’s services further and have him lead the team. He has been fantastic for the club and has achieved more than was asked of him at this stage of our plan.

“We have a fantastic relationship which extends to Jukesy (CEO Neil Jukes) and Chezy (Head of Rugby Chris Chester) which is a great team I want to keep together.

“Despite our difficult start to the season Adrian has demonstrated how good he is and how he trusts his instincts and believes in his processes. He has had to adapt key plays and positions as he has continually had numerous players injured, something that is part of the game.

“Despite this we have been in the battle and, as he stated to me, we will learn to win big games this way, then when we get everyone back, we will be even better for it."

Adrian Lam said: “I promised you a five-year plan and this extension shows that I’m as committed to this club now as I was in game one in the Championship. The journey I’ve been on with these boys has been amazing.

“Representing this club is a massive, massive honour. When I came here, I knew this club was a sleeping giant and it didn’t belong in the Championship. To get back into Super League and also bring the Challenge Cup to Leigh for the first time in over fifty years was incredible.

“But that was only part of the journey, it wasn’t the destination. There’s so much more I want to bring to this club for the fans because our fans are incredible. We’ve had a tough start to this season with ups and downs and players not being in games due to injury, but the one consistent has been you, the fans.

“You’ll never understand because words can’t do justice to it, just how much your support means to me, as you are the heartbeat of our club and I care about every single one of you.

“I know there’s been a lot of talk about my future in recent weeks but that was all it was, outside noise. To me, Leigh has become home and the Leythers my people, so I’m extremely grateful that Derek, Neil and Chezy want to carry on this journey with me. Thank you.”

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