JOHN Asiata would love to play in tandem with Lachlan Lam again next season but agrees Super League’s player of the month for May has a big decision to make on his future.

Leigh Leopards’ outstanding captain is already signed up for 2024 but half back Lam is only contracted until the end of the current campaign.

Dad and head coach Adrian Lam, coach of the month for May, says the club has been “down a long path” recently to convince the former Sydney Roosters half back to finalise a new deal.

And should his son return to the NRL, he says Lam junior would go home a better player.

“It has been awesome to have him because he plays off the cuff, and I love that,” said Asiata.

“Being able to have him next to me is a lot better for myself,” added Leopards’ influential skipper.

“’Lokie’ has been an outstanding player for us and received a great opportunity here.

“As long as he is enjoying his footie he will make the right decision. And the way he is playing right now, he is enjoying his footie the most I have ever seen him, even in the NRL.

“If he decides to stay, we are happy to have him. I am here again next year so if he is by my side I will be happy.”

Both stars will have big parts to play when Leopards’ hunt for a seventh successive Super League win and competition double over Hull FC on Friday, kick-off 8pm.

But they will be without Lam’s half back partner, Ben Reynolds, and Tom Nisbet, suspended for two and one game respectively following Leigh’s 30-4, Magic Weekend win over Wakefield.

Joe Mellor could deputise for Reynolds while Kai O’Donnell is expected to return in the second row after a back muscle issue ruled him out of a Newcastle appearance.

Leigh, unbeaten since April 8, haven’t recorded a home win over ninth placed Hull FC since April 1988 and the Black and Whites enjoyed a superb comeback win over Warrington at St James’ Park.

*Leigh Leopards’ women’s team plays its first ever match at Leigh Sports Village on June 11, hosting Featherstone Rovers in Betfred Women’s Super League group, kick-off 2pm.

Head coach Kieron Purtill said: “There is a lot of excitement around the players at the prospect of playing at LSV. It is a major development for the team and the women’s game in general.”

Proceeds from the game will go to homeless support charity, HSP Charity Shop.