ADRIAN Lam has dropped the broadest hint yet Josh Charnley may have a future at Leigh Leopards beyond the end of the season.
Super League’s record try-scorer is out of contract soon without a deal on the table to take him into 2027.
But previewing Friday night’s visit of Bradford Bulls, Leopards’ head coach suggested his 35-year-old winger isn’t definitely set for the LSV exit doors.
“I get in pretty early,” said Lam. "For the last six weeks, Josh has been earlier than me, waiting in the car park to try and knock on my door and say ‘listen Lammy, am I going around next year? Can I play again?’ It’s a running joke.
"But Josh had some unbelievable touches in the game at Leeds (last Friday). He saved a try on one of the great finishers of all time with the tackle he made on (Ryan) Hall. It was unbelievable.
“He is playing like he is a teenager again and is professional as anyone.”
Charnley’s hat-trick in the reverse fixture against the Bulls in June took him past Hall to the top of the try-scoring charts.
Lam has high hopes for fit-again Keanan Brand and emerging ex-York star, AJ Towse, next year.
Both were expected to join Championship sides on loan as the Journal went to press.
But Charnley’s exploits in 2026 may be giving him food for thought.
“Josh will get in front of the TV and purposely get man of the match so he can say he wants to play for another year to put pressure on the coach,” laughed Lam.
“So, we will see what unfolds over the next two or three weeks. But he keeps on keeping on, doesn’t he?”
One player definitely leaving when his current deal expires is veteran forward Isaac Liu, whose move to Hull FC has been confirmed.
And Lam admits it will be tough to see the durable former NRL Grand Final winner leave.
“He has been unbelievable for us," said Lam.
"He is very popular and loved by the whole group. I know the players are playing for him to some extent. We will embrace what time is remaining for him here.”
Liu will make his 350th career appearance against Bradford; of those, 57 have been in Leopards print.
Former Leigh loanee Jack Ashworth returns to LSV for a third spell, this time on a permanent basis, and could feature against Bradford and one-time Leigh interim boss, Kurt Haggerty.
While Ashworth, 31, moves into the Leopards’ den in a move until the end of 2028, recent recruit Lazarus Vaalepu has moved the opposite way.
Having helped Oldham to victories against Sheffield and more eye-catchingly against unbeaten London Broncos, Vaalepu’s latest loan will see him become a Tiger until the end of the season.
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