Adrian Lam excited to be ‘back at the table’ ahead of Super League opener

Leigh Leopards Head Coach Adrian Lam is not only buzzing to be back in the Super League after an ‘amazing’ Championship season, but delighted to be in a leopard skin for 2023.

Formerly Centurions, Leigh had an unreal season at the second level last term, losing just one league game all season whilst winning two trophies under the former Wigan boss.

And whilst many newly promoted clubs are immediately tipped to be relegated at the first opportunity, Leigh are fancied by many to be a dark horse in the Super League this year and avoid the drop.

Lam explained his excitement by telling Prost Rugby League: “We had an amazing 2022 in the Championship and achieved everything we could and you don’t want those type of seasons to end. I’ve got more out of last year than any other year and it taught me a lot.

“It feels like we’ve got a seat back at the table with the big boys and we’re looking forward to the challenge.

“Two years ago, when Leigh were up, we went straight back down. But, different players, different name, different kit, it’s a different time and that’s what we’re looking forward to. There’s a buzz around the town and we’ve brought some experience in with 11 new players.”

On the recent changes in the off-season, Lam has fully embraced the rebranding and the interesting times that has arrived at Leigh Sports Village.

Lam continued: “I think everyone has settled into it (the leopard skin). I’ve really enjoyed it and been a fan of it. It’s exciting how we’ve gone about it as a club with a new badge, new name. It’s created a buzz around town as I said so everyone’s happy and it’s the first time for me in the leopard skin but it won’t be the last either.”

And with Leigh facing local rivals Wigan three times in 2023, Lam is looking forward to facing off against his old club where he spent time as a player and a Head Coach.

He added: “I was lucky enough to spend time at Wigan as a player and played against Leigh in the Challenge Cup at the old Hilton Park and it was an absolute nightmare.

“I know the history and the arch rivalry between the fans from being in the same borough so we have to maintain that and we play them three times this year so it’s going to be a huge challenge for us as I think they’re in the top two favourites to win the competition so we have to make sure our preparation right and do our town proud.”

Whether they will be the competition’s underdogs remains to be seen, but Leigh have the entire spotlight on them and with the popular band ‘Scouting for Girls’ performing at their season opener, Leigh are making the most of the attention.

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