LEIGH boss Adrian Lam is refreshed and raring to go after his longer than usual pre-season break.

But Leigh’s head coach admits the prospect of undertaking another squad remodelling job is “nerve wracking.”

Two of Leopards’ NRL recruits, Isaac Liu and Tesi Niu, were due to join their new team mates as the Journal went to press.

But Lam has already addressed the bulk of a revamped playing roster.

“Sometimes, with all these changes, it can be a bit nerve wracking just knowing there is a lot of work to do,” he confessed.

“The players must start again to understand the philosophies, the game plans, the mindset and beliefs.

“But this is part of the plan. It is not ideal but for us t is exactly what we need to do.

“We decided to bring in a lot more youth plus a couple of other different things.

“We are not where we need to be with the squad,” he admitted. “We still have work to do filling it.

“However, it is the process. If you think about it too much it can weigh you down.

“But I am excited with this opportunity, with new talent and new faces. I think we are heading in the right direction.”

Lam stepped down last year as assistant to Australian Test coach, Mal Meninga. And it is not a decision he has regretted.

“I needed a break,” he admitted. “After the 2023 season, I only had a week off then I was back in training .

“I was there on day one thinking: ‘I am not sure I want to be here.’ I needed a break.

“I had a good run with the Kangaroos; won two World Cups and a Four Nations. If there is opportunity further down the track (to rejoin the international set-up) then so be it. But I had to put my well-being first.”

Leigh kick-off their 2025 campaign with the most daunting of opening games-away to champions Wigan Warriors on February 13. They haven’t achieved an away win on Wigan turf since 1983.

“It is probably a good time to play them,” said positive Lam. “But I can’t get my head around why we play them three times again and twice at Wigan as we did last season as well. But it is what it is.”

*Leigh’s former St Helens prop Dan Norman has announced his retirement to concentrate on his business commitments.

The 27-year-old, who began his career at Widnes Vikings, has been released from his contract with immediate effect.

Norman said of his decision: “This has been the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make.

“For the last four years, I have been building my online coaching business alongside playing rugby.

“But I have now reached a point where, to continue growing the business, I need to fully commit to it and scale it to the level I want it to reach.”

*Ireland international Storm Cobain won the Woman of Steel award at Leopards’ women’s end of season awards.

Cobain scored 18 tries and kicked seven goals in her debut season. Other winners included: Leah Morris (players’ player and young player) and Charlotte Melvin (coaches’ player).