Rumours persist that key figures within the Papua New Guinea NRL franchise are pushing for Kumuls great Adrian Lam to coach the club when it enters the competition in 2028.
Former South Sydney boss and current PNG national coach Jason Demetriou is still believed to be the front-runner for the position—but it is understood a move to appoint Lam is receiving growing support in the rugby league obsessed nation.
One of the most celebrated PNG players of all time, Lam, 54, played 140 games for the Sydney Roosters between 1994-2000 and also represented Wigan, Queensland and the Kumuls during a distinguished playing career.
After retiring in 2004, Lam turned to coaching and held several assistant positions at club level before serving as the PNG national coach from 2006-2009.
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From 2016, Lam also worked as an assistant for Mal Meninga with the Australian Kangaroos for many years.
Lam has since coached more than 160 games in the Super League, firstly with Wigan Warriors and most recently with Leigh Leopards who currently sit fourth on the 2025 Super League ladder.
‘I think I could help out in some way’
Twelve months ago Lam was asked about his thoughts on taking a potential future role with the new PNG-based NRL franchise.
“That excites me to be involved in some way down the track with PNG, whether it’s 2028 or 2030 or beyond,” he replied, while adding his immediate future remains firmly with Leigh Leopards in the Super League.
“I think I could help out in some way there (PNG), but I’m really, really happy where I am here at the moment and I don’t want to be anywhere else in the world.
“But you’ve always got to look at where you think your future may lie and if that is in PNG then that might be an option for me in the future.
“It’s exciting times ahead either way.”
Lam’s 27-year-old son Lachlan currently plays halfback for the Leigh Leopards and is, no doubt, another name firmly in the sights of the new PNG franchise.