Lachlan Lam offered to Super League clubs amid Leigh Leopards contract dispute
Posted: Wed Jul 17, 2024 10:34 am
In a development that could have significant ramifications in the Super League transfer market, one of the competition's leading stars has been made available to rival clubs.
Super League clubs have been alerted to the availability of Lachlan Lam, but Leigh Leopards are adamant their star halfback remains contracted to the club next season.
Rugby League Live can reveal that Lam's name has been circulated in the past fortnight, which has attracted the attention of numerous clubs who were not aware that the Papua New Guinea representative was on the market heading into the 2025 season.
The 26-year-old signed a new two-year contract with the Leopards last year, which was expected to keep him at the club until the end of 2025. However, it is claimed that the contract features a release clause that allows Lam to leave the club at the end of this season.
It's understood that Lam and his representatives have now 'activated' that clause. But Leigh dispute its legitimacy and specifically the finer details. They believe the clause is only relevant should an NRL club make a move, but that is being contested by Lam's side, who believe the clause is relevant regardless of where an offer comes from.
It's unclear how, or when, the dispute will be resolved. But a number of clubs are keeping tabs on the situation and are keen to pursue a deal for the halfback, who was the matchwinner as Leigh won the Challenge Cup Final last year. It has been suggested that the issue could be resolved through Sports Resolutions, an independent, dispute resolution service.
When approached for comment, a Rugby Football League spokesperson said: "Lachlan Lam is still registered as a Leigh player. It would be inappropriate to comment further on any discussions between player and club."
Leigh's stance on the matter ties in with the comments made by Lam's father, the Leopards head coach Adrian, when asked about his future in May. He said the club would not stand in his son's way should an opportunity arise, but only if it was in the NRL.
Lachlan is contracted for this year and next," he said. “Like all players who come from Australia, they have an opportunity and a dream to go back and play in the NRL and that’s Lachlan’s as well.
“If that opportunity comes up, I won’t stand in Lachlan’s way. I understand how important that is to him, if he decides to go down that path."
Regardless, the fact his name has been pushed to rival clubs suggests that he is keen to explore his options away from Leigh Sports Village next season. Lam joined the club in 2022 and after helping the club secure promotion to Super League, he was a key performer in the Leopards side who prevailed at Wembley. He was subsequently named in the Super League Dream team last year
In total, Lam has made 58 appearances for the club, scoring 17 tries.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... t-29556731
Super League clubs have been alerted to the availability of Lachlan Lam, but Leigh Leopards are adamant their star halfback remains contracted to the club next season.
Rugby League Live can reveal that Lam's name has been circulated in the past fortnight, which has attracted the attention of numerous clubs who were not aware that the Papua New Guinea representative was on the market heading into the 2025 season.
The 26-year-old signed a new two-year contract with the Leopards last year, which was expected to keep him at the club until the end of 2025. However, it is claimed that the contract features a release clause that allows Lam to leave the club at the end of this season.
It's understood that Lam and his representatives have now 'activated' that clause. But Leigh dispute its legitimacy and specifically the finer details. They believe the clause is only relevant should an NRL club make a move, but that is being contested by Lam's side, who believe the clause is relevant regardless of where an offer comes from.
It's unclear how, or when, the dispute will be resolved. But a number of clubs are keeping tabs on the situation and are keen to pursue a deal for the halfback, who was the matchwinner as Leigh won the Challenge Cup Final last year. It has been suggested that the issue could be resolved through Sports Resolutions, an independent, dispute resolution service.
When approached for comment, a Rugby Football League spokesperson said: "Lachlan Lam is still registered as a Leigh player. It would be inappropriate to comment further on any discussions between player and club."
Leigh's stance on the matter ties in with the comments made by Lam's father, the Leopards head coach Adrian, when asked about his future in May. He said the club would not stand in his son's way should an opportunity arise, but only if it was in the NRL.
Lachlan is contracted for this year and next," he said. “Like all players who come from Australia, they have an opportunity and a dream to go back and play in the NRL and that’s Lachlan’s as well.
“If that opportunity comes up, I won’t stand in Lachlan’s way. I understand how important that is to him, if he decides to go down that path."
Regardless, the fact his name has been pushed to rival clubs suggests that he is keen to explore his options away from Leigh Sports Village next season. Lam joined the club in 2022 and after helping the club secure promotion to Super League, he was a key performer in the Leopards side who prevailed at Wembley. He was subsequently named in the Super League Dream team last year
In total, Lam has made 58 appearances for the club, scoring 17 tries.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... t-29556731
