Adrian Lam has been charged with leading Leigh Centurions back to Super League after his appointment as head coach.
It signals an immediate return to coaching for Lam following his departure from Wigan Warriors at the end of the 2021 campaign.
As first reported by Rugby League Live at the start of November, Lam was among the coaches interviewed for the role along with Richard Marshall.
Leigh took their time in making a final decision but have settled on a man who was named Super League Coach of the Year only 12 months ago.
Lam is excited about the challenge of gaining promotion from the Championship at the first attempt.
“The target is for us to get promoted back into Super League,” said Lam, who is also Australia’s assistant coach.
“It’s a different level for me but I have the same expectations as I would have with a Super League club in that I want the club to do well.
“Leigh Centurions is a proud club and I am looking forward to being part of its history. I am also looking forward to learning all about the town and meeting everyone.”
The move sees Lam link back up with Chris Chester, a former team-mate at Wigan during his playing career.
Chester, who became Leigh’s head of rugby in September, has expressed his delight after securing the services of a coach who led Wigan to the League Leaders’ Shield and the Grand Final in 2020.
“Adrian’s signing is a real signal of intent by the club,” said Chester.
“He’s an ex-Super League Coach of the Year and the current Australia assistant coach. He was a fantastic international player and he’s coached at the highest level, both here and overseas.
“Now Adrian has been appointed we can sit down and assess the current playing squad and look at areas where we need to strengthen, so that when the season starts at the end of January we can hit the ground running.
“I’ve known Adrian since we played at Wigan, and we have kept in touch ever since. He has always been very supportive of me in my coaching career and regularly sent me texts and rang me up, and I supported him as best I could in return.
“Adrian’s signing is massive for the club and a real coup for us.”
