ADRIAN Lam says Leopards don’t need their Dream Team snub as extra incentive to make play-off history at Salford on Friday night.

Twelve months ago, five Leigh stars were recognised in the end of regular season super side.

Not one player features in the 2024 line-up. And while Lam thinks several of his squad were worthy of inclusion, he shrugged off the decision to focus on guiding Leigh into the top flight semis for the first time.

“I would never question players who did make it who have performed all year but I was disappointed,” said Lam.

“I felt two or three of our players should be in that team. I think Kai O’Donnell is the one everyone at the club is disappointed about.

“He has been the best player in the competition. Tom Amone and Robbie Mulhern must have been close as well.

“So, we are sad but don’t want to dwell on it too much. It’s people’s opinions and we had a good run with it last year.”

Leigh were 26-0 winners at Leigh Sports Village when the sides met last month. But the Red Devils came out on top 32-22 at the AJ Bell Stadium last March.

“Not really,” Lam added when asked if the omissions would give his squad extra motivation.

“We are focussed on the process and the players are engaged and believed in who we are and what we are about. That is enough motivation for us.”

Salford rested most of their key players, including Dream Teamer Marc Sneyd, as Wigan secured the League Leaders’ Shield last Thursday.

“As a club, they made the decision that was the best way forward for them,” added Lam. “It’s probably something I wouldn’t do but I can’t question that.

“That’s what they believe works for them. But we have just focussed on ourselves and I am not bothered what Salford are planning to do.”

And Lam believes Paul Rowley’s side will start as favourites to earn a trip to the defending champions in the penultimate round before Old Trafford.

“Salford finished higher up the ladder, have a home fixture and they have only lost twice there this season. So, they will feel fresh and back themselves.

“But it is going to be close, no doubt about it.”

Lam is unlikely to make any changes, if any, to the side that beat St Helens 18-12 to clinch fifth spot for a second successive season.

The game also confirmed the Leigh players leaving the club at the end of the season: Hull FC bound John Asiata, Zak Hardaker and Oliver Holmes plus Tom Amone, Kai O’Donnell, Ricky Leutele, Jacob Jones, Jacob Gannon, Tom Nisbet, and Lewis Baxter.

*Leopards’ women have been an inspiration this term and Lam watched on as they beat Sheffield Eagles 46-6 to win the Northern Championship Grand Final at Twist Lane.

Next up are Southern winners, London Broncos, on Sunday at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham. The winners will play Featherstone Rovers, bottom club in the 2024 Women’s Super League for the right to play in the elite league next year.

Unfortunately for Keli Morris, the second row’s season is over after she broke her tibia and fibula in the first half.

*Leopards are confident of securing a grade A accreditation for next season after submitting a final score of 15.24 to Super League and the RFL’s strategic partners, IMG.