Leigh Leopards are delighted to confirm that Lachlan Lam has signed a two-year extension to his contract, committing him to the club until the end of 2027.
The 27-year-old PNG international, son of Leopards head coach Adrian Lam, has been at the heart of the Leopards’ successes since joining midway through the record-breaking Championship season in 2022 and recently completed 100 club appearances.
Lachlan Lam said: “It feels really good to re-sign. It’s been a bit of a process, but it was an easy decision and it’s a weight off my shoulders. I’m happy to get it done.
“The atmosphere at our club is special and there are some really good people here. We have a great group.
“Playing for my father is also special. There are a few reasons why I’ve signed again but that was the main one. It’s special to work together and achieve things together.”
Lam has twice been voted as the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association Player of the Year and famously won the Lance Todd Trophy after his match-winning golden point extra-time drop-goal secured Leigh’s first Challenge Cup Final victory for 52 years in 2023. He was also one of five Leigh players selected for the Super League Dream Team that year.
“We have a young, hungry and group and the boys showed faith in me making me co-captain (with Isaac Liu),” Lam said.
“I touched on it last year. In 2023 we climbed the peak of the mountain, and we want to do it again. Those moments are special, and we are always chasing success here.”
Leopards have achieved playoff positions in each of the last three seasons for the first time in club history and since gaining promotion have been the third best performing club behind Wigan and Hull KR over the past three seasons.
“You see the path the club is on and it’s great to be part of it,” Lam continued. “They didn’t need me to get out of the Championship in 2022 but to achieve what we’ve done since has been special.
“As a professional athlete all you want to do is win and we have a team that are all of the same mindset. We all believe in each other and go out, 1-17, all with that desire.
“And our fans are amazing. Week in, week out they turn out in numbers, and I love playing at our stadium and playing for them. There’s nowhere like it in Super League.”
Club owner Derek Beaumont said: “This is massive news for our club and shows our ambitions ahead of the membership release.
“Lachlan came over here and backed himself and he’s a massive player for us. This year he’s got the highest try assists in Super League and grown as a player and a person. Ideally, I’d like to see him complete ten years at the club and then move into coaching like his dad.
“Lachlan is a measured and articulate person who wants to digest everything before he commits to something.
“He accepts where we are as a club and how we value him. Lachlan wants to win things, and he knows those opportunities exist at some clubs more than others. It’s never been an issue about Lachlan re-signing. He’s a marquee player and attracts a lot of attention and teams have been going hard for him, some very aggressively.
“Rugby League is a short career, and players have to consider the best deal on the table. But Lachlan loves it here and his dad is a big factor.
“The club has grown under Lachlan and will continue to do so. Lachlan has already achieved great things with Leigh and will continue writing more history with his dad.
“He’s one of those players who lights up Super League and one of whom we need to make a high profile.”
Lachlan Lam is sponsored by Leigh Cables.
