ADRIAN Lam has completed a self-confessed U-turn to build Leigh Leopards into a Super League force.

Lam only planned to stick around for 12 months and needed input from Australia head coach, Mal Meninga, to join in the first place.

But with greater influence over signings and the club’s future vision, the former Wigan Warriors boss soon parked his original career options.

Now contracted until the end of 2024, Lam said: “The plan was I was going to be here for 12 months and then move to an opportunity in the NRL.

“As the season built up I just had the time of my life. I know things will be different next year because there will be more pressure.

“Just having ability to negotiate with the owner to recruit players has been a breath of fresh air.

“I loved my time at Wigan but I wasn’t as free to do that. I only brought in Hastings, Field and French-which were three pretty good ones-but to be able to have a say in all the players here encouraged me to stay around and build for the next few years.”

Lam guided Leigh to an 1895 Cup, League Leaders’ Shield and Million Pound game treble last season

“Obviously, it was just a one-year deal when I took the role and I was umming and ahhing whether it was a good opportunity.

“I spoke to a few people, including Mal Meninga, who said he thought it was a good opportunity and that if I could bring Leigh up people would take notice of that.

“Fast forward 12 months and we did everything we could do. Now with the vision we have as a club moving forward, it is only fair I want to be part of that and to build this squad.

“If we haven’t quite got the right people this year, we will get them next year or the year after that. I am in it for the long process so it is exciting.”

Prop Tom Amone has also agreed a new two-year deal. ‘Hopefully, we can push for the top six next year,” said the former Wests Tigers forward.

“This season was good for us hopefully next year will be even better.”

Despite announcing Nene Macdonald in their squad list for 2023, his future continues to be debated including a possible move to Leeds.

However, Lam said: “Not from my end. He is contracted here for next year. I have not spoken to anyone at Leeds - and that’s not a play on words.

“We still need two or three more players so the last thing I want is to let someone go with the numbers we have.”