ADRIAN Lam has welcomed Umyla Hanley’s inclusion in England’s Performance squad but reckons the Leigh centre can also take his place in coach Brian McDermott’s eventual World Cup squad.
Hanley, who was named in the Super League Dream Team in 2025, has been in outstanding form after an injury hit start to the campaign.
His try in last week’s record breaking 62-10 win over Bradford Bulls was his seventh in 13 appearances.
And he’ll be looking to impress again when Leopards’ travel to improving Huddersfield Giants on Friday night.
The 24-year-old and Hugo Savala of Sydney Roosters take McDermott’s training group upto 40 players.
“I punched the air for Umyla because it is absolutely well deserved,” said Lam who brought last season’s Dream Team centre to Leigh in 2023.
“He is the ultimate professional; the ultimate competitor. For him, to perform like he has, in the short time he has been back (is great).
“He is one of those players who plays with injury; whether it’s a hamstring or soft tissue regardless. He is mentally tough and inspires our team.
“It is great news for him, for his family, his family and our club. His rate of improvement from nothing to where he is, is phenomenal.
“He is an inspiration for young British players who can look upto someone like him and see what he has done.
“I still think-scarily-he has a couple of levels to go. So, I am excited about that.” Leopards will leapfrog fourth placed Wakefield with a point or better at Huddersfield but Giants are on a roll with four wins from their last five games.
However, Lam warns: “Huddersfield have been in good form, they have nothing to lose and will want to come out playing their best rugby. “It’s going to be as tough a game as any we have had this year. So, we will prepare as though it’s going to go 80 minutes.”
“I am a realist and the minute you fall in love with yourself as a coach or as a team things can go south.
Leigh could have full-back Davie Armstrong available after the Australian full-back missed the second half of the Bradford game with a knee issue.
Armstrong suffered an ACL injury last season but happily for him and Leigh this latest problem is far less serious.
“He hasn’t done any further damage; just a strain on the ACL. It’s good news and a massive relief for everyone.”
Former Giant Jack Hughes is available for selection after suspension.
*Lam has paid his own tribute to icon Sir Billy Boston who died this week aged 92.
“It’s a sad moment for the whole rugby league community,” said the former Wigan player and coach. “But it’s also time to remember all the good times as well because he brought so much to the sport and how many players he inspired.
“I looked upto him as well and he was an absolute legend of the game.”
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