Adrian Lam makes a break

Adrian has the unlucky honour of losing consecutive Grand Finals on either side of the world, firstly in 2000 with the Sydney City Roosters, and then with Wigan in the 2001 Super League VI Grand Final at Old Trafford.

Lam had his best season yet in a Warriors shirt during the 2002 Super League, helping Wigan to defeat St Helens in the Challenge Cup final in Edinburgh. His performances, especially during an injury crisis after the one-off Australia vs Great Britain Test in Sydney, were exceptional, as he led a young team as stand-in captain. He was rewarded at the end of the season with the Players' Player of the Year award.

In 2003 his exceptional form continued, despite another injury crisis during which 9 senior players were unavailable. In a team surrounded by youngster, he almost single handedly led the side, a task he did not relish. Lam suffered several injuries in the latter half of the season, but this did not stop him from being voted into the 2003 Super League 'Dream Team'.

Fan pressure and good performances earned Adrian a new deal to keep him at Wigan until the end of the 2004 season. His season was once again plagued by several injuries and he announced his retirement at the end of the year: "It looks like I'm finishing at the end of the year," he said. "I want to try and remain in the game in some capacity, whether it's back at home or over here, but playing-wise it looks like the end is near." Adrian made his last appearance for Wigan at Headingley in the 2004 Final Eliminator. He made over 100 appearances for Wigan, scoring 39 tries and appearing in two Grand Finals and two Challenge Cup finals.

Lam returned to Wigan on the coaching staff in 2005. He took over as U21s coach from departing David Lyon. He stayed only one season, before accepting an assistant coaching role at Cronulla Sharks in the NRL. He joined former Wigan head coach Stuart Raper, who he had played under whilst at Wigan, and had become head coach at Cronulla.