'Poker face' Adrian Lam reacts to Hull FC speculation and Leigh Leopards future

Adrian Lam has commented on his future amid communication from Hull FC to become their new head coach. Hull Live reported on Friday that contact had been made between Lam and the East Yorkshire club, with Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont, who also commented on John Asiata's move to the Black and Whites, confirming that story ahead of Saturday's draw against Castleford Tigers.

Beaumont also stated that a new three-year contract offer has been offered to Lam by Leigh, although the current Leythers' boss has said that might not be 'exactly right.' However, Lam did say that talks are ongoing, with the Papua New Guinean, now 53, out of contract at the end of the season.

Addressing Leigh's members and sponsors, Beaumont said: "Lammy has had a deal put to him. It’s a three-year deal, and we’d like to keep him. If somebody (Hull FC) is throwing crazy offers around and someone wants to take that with the uncertainty that brings, then that’s their decision.

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“What I can guarantee you is that we’ll be a club spending the full salary cap, as we are, with the full three marquee quotas that you’re allowed and with a top-level coach. That’s my commitment, and that’s really all I think anyone needs to know.”

Told about Beaumont's statement in his post-match press conference, Lam said: "I’m not sure if that’s exactly right. I’ve been talking to the club about it, and we’re certainly down the track, but I didn’t know he’d given out that detail.

"I have a really good working relationship with Derek, and whatever the situation is, we’ll talk our way through it. From there, I’m sure we’ll get on top of it. It’s just going to take time.

"My focus at the moment is on trying to win rugby league games, and it’s been hard work, but it’s making me better as a coach. I don’t really want to get into talking about my future when I need to make sure this club’s future is in good hands or is in a good position and a good state with regard to the results.

"We needed to win today, and that’s why I think I’m a little bit empty because I think we did enough to win. It just feels like we’ve got a monkey on our back at the moment as a club."

Lam has also been linked with the vacant South Sydney Rabbitohs job in the NRL, and while he didn't confirm he's had any contact with Hull, he said his heart right now is with Leigh.

"I’ve got a pretty good poker face; it brews up inside, and there’s a lot of deep thinking, but I always get through it," Lam added. "I believe in what I do and myself, and I just stick to the process.

"Last week I was meant to be going to the Rabbitohs, and this week I’m going to Hull. What I can tell you is that I’m contracted here, and it runs out at the end of the year. I’ve got a job to do here, and we need to react and start winning pretty soon. I’m happy here, and the group is a happy group."

Read more: Derek Beaumont labels Hull FC ‘desperate’ after swift John Asiata announcement