EAGER new Leigh Leopard Ben McNamara hopes 2024 can be a launchpad for his already promising career.

He has already pencilled in a key date as a potential individual red-letter day in next year’s Betfred Super League fixture calendar.

Son of Catalans Dragons and former England boss, Steve McNamara, the versatile former Hull FC player is targeting April 26 for a personal breakthrough.

That’s the date Leopards are scheduled to host McNamara senior’s Perpignan based outfit.

“Playing against an old club is one you will always notice on the calendar and also playing against dad,” said the 22-year-old prospect.

“They are the two most I will look forward to the most. I hope I can get a win over dad,” he confirmed.

“Unfortunately, I have not been able to do that yet. That will be a good one to have some bragging rights.”

McNamara may be one of Super League’s most experienced head coaches but Ben is more than happy to absorb information from Leigh boss, Adrian Lam. “We speak practically every day on the phone and rugby is a massive part of the conversation,” explained McNamara junior.

“But I speak to him as my dad rather than for coaching advice or help. I leave that for the coach I am playing under at the time.

“I am very fond of Adrian’s game plans and how he wants his teams to play. His style of play was a massive attraction to me.

“When I got the feeling I would be probably leaving Hull at the end of last season, I had few other options.

“But the Leigh interest came quite early and I wasn’t too fussed about pursuing any of the other options too deeply,” said McNamara who grew up playing touch rugby with a teenage Lachlan Lam and younger brother Bailey when his father was assistant coach at Sydney Roosters.

Unlike McNamara senior who commuted regularly between West Yorkshire and Humberside as player and coach at Bradford, his boy has left the family home to live in Greater Manchester.

“Living with my mum at home, I saw a lot of friends move away to university. As much as I enjoyed living at home and was comfortable I kind of envied them.

“Obviously, I am not enjoying that university lifestyle but it is good to embrace the challenge and live somewhere different.

“I never really considered staying at home and trying to travel. I thought it was the best thing to throw myself into it so I could feel part of it and build relationships with the lads.”

McNamara can play half back or hooker and the latter position could be his role at LSV.

“I have played half back the majority of the years coming through but I think my skills set suit the number nine position,” he said.

“I know Adrian is quite keen on me there. I am honestly 50-50 on it and hopefully I can excel in which ever position I am picked in.

“I feel I am at that stage in my career where I am ready to nail down a spot.”