Warriors Confirm Lam Departure

The Wigan club can today confirm that Adrian Lam has accepted the role of Assistant Coach with NRL side Cronulla Sharks. Lam will link up again with former Warriors Coach Stuart Raper.

Lam joined the Warriors in 2001 and made over 100 appearances scoring 40 tries before retiring at the end of 2004. Since then Adrian has been in charge of the club’s Senior Academy side which went on to finish top of the Championship table and reach their respective Grand Final in 2005.

Speaking about the decision Lam said,

“I signed originally for two years with an option and ended up staying for five years with Wigan.

“I probably played some of my best footy whilst here at the club and Wigan will always be special to me.

“I have really enjoyed my time with theWarriors both as a player and coach. I have had some fantastic moments with the club and it was a very hard decision to make, the set up here is great. It is sad to be leaving, the club has a wonderful tradition.

“The opportunity to coach in the NRL is one I felt I had to take and it will be great to link up again with Stuart Raper.

“The future of Wigan is very bright with some very talented youngsters within both the Junior and Senior Academy.”

Lam picked out one of his highlights as being the Challenge Cup Final success at Murrayfield in 2002 and the reaction of the fans towards the team at the homecoming when everyone around the town turned out to support the team.

“That was something special coming down on the open top bus into the town and the reception at the town hall. It was a superb win against St Helens which everyone involved will always remember. I always enjoyed the derby games against them.

“I would also like to thank Maurice Lindsay, he was instrumental in getting me here and he to me is this club. He will get this club back to where it belongs in Super League.He has been instrumental in bringing quality players like Paleaaesina into the club and the future under Maurice looks bright.He gave me a fantastic opportunity both as a player and more recently in a coaching capacity.”

“I would also like to thank the fans and everyone involved at the club for making me and my family so welcome.”

Speaking on the Sharks website sharks.com.au. Head Coach Stuart Raper said,

“I spent two years with Adrian at Wigan, which I very much enjoyed. He was one of the experienced players who I relied upon for his rugby league knowledge,even back then I thought he could have a coaching career in front of him.

“Adrian will assist with first grade and I’ll be looking to him to work with the backs. He’s been brought to the club to add some of his knowledge and expertise and to work with the senior players.”

During an illustrious career Lam also oplayed 14 State of Origin matches for the Queensland side, 21 Tests for Papua New Guinea, 147 NRL games for the Sydney Roosters as well as the 107 first team games for the Warriors. Adrian leaves the club with everyones best wishes.