ADRIAN Lam insists his Leigh players will be on their best behaviour as in-form Leopards look to extend an already “incredible journey” into the Super League play-offs.

But he admits Friday night’s trip to Castleford-one of three remaining games in the regular season-will be a potential “banana skin.”

Free from injury and suspension, Lam’s initial 21-man squad is Leigh’s strongest of the season. That’s why he knows discipline is key to potential success further down the line.

Warrington’s Paul Vaughan was banned for three games for his early dismissal during Leigh’s 16-12 win over Wire last Friday.

Huddersfield prop Fenton Rogers has played his final game of 2024 after a red card against St Helens last Sunday while Saints’ Tommy Makinson collected a two-game suspension for another high-profile head contact.

“We have addressed it (discipline) as a group and looked at clips to make sure we understand what it is about,” confirmed Lam.

“It is not going to change; it’s been like this all season. So, discipline is a major part of our daily preparation.

“But I will give credit to the RFL,” he added. “We have backed off slightly on suspensions and the length of them. That is heading in the right direction.

“But more conversations need to be had post season to make sure we keep developing and growing the game in the right direction, not only for the welfare side of things but the entertainment side of it as well.”

This latest meeting with 10th placed Castleford will be the third between the teams this season.

Leigh were held to a 28-all draw at LSV back in May and then had to work hard for a 20-10 success at the Jungle on August 1.

Another victory will lift them above fifth placed Salford and fourth placed St Helens who play Catalans and Warrington respectively on Saturday.

“I am challenging the group to go there and play their best rugby of the year,” added Lam.

“We are in the six now and it has been an incredible journey to get where we are. But we don’t want to give that up straight away.

“The minute you think you are in a better place it comes back to bite you on the backside.

“Cas’s performances have been very consistent over the last two or three months. You can see they are connected as a group.

“They are in a position where they have nothing to lose and they are giving their absolute all.”

*Leopards’ women signed off their final Championship home game of the regular season with an 11-try, 60-0 rout of Bradford Bulls at Sutton Park.

Charlotte Melvin led the way with four tries and eight goals for a personal haul of 32 points to equal her own club record.

Leopards’ other tries came from: Hattie Dogus (3), Mollie Young (2), Leah Morris, Claire Collins, Storm Cobain and Claire Mullaney.

Kieron Purtill’s side looks for a 16th Championship success at Stanningley on Sunday (2pm kick-off).