Former Kumul Lam remains as coach

FORMER Papua New Guinea Kumul Adrian Lam will remain as head coach of English Super League grand finalists Wigan for next season after signing a one-year contract extension.
The 50-year-old — a former National Rugby League star with the Sydney Roosters who played 14 State of Origin games for Queensland before he wrapped up his playing career at Wigan — has spent two years in charge at the DW Stadium.
Lam was named the 2020 Super League coach of the year after guiding the Warriors to their first League Leaders’ Shield for eight years and the grand final, in which they agonisingly lost to St Helens at the KCOM Stadium last week.
“I’m really excited,” Rabaul-born Lam said.
“It’s a massive honour for me to re-sign with this great club.
“It’s been a fantastic year overall.
“I’ve seen the team grow as a unit and winning the League Leaders’ Shield was a highlight, but we must go one better next year.
“The squad has been strengthened each year since my arrival.
“With the new players coming in and another year’s experience behind our hardened young players, we’re in a great position to take trophy-winning advantage of that.”
Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said: “Adrian has done well in the very difficult circumstances of this year.
“To win the head coach of the year award and the League Leaders’ Shield and to come so close to winning a great grand final is a good effort.
“But he knows we want more, and we think he’s capable of that.
“He has a strong desire to take Wigan to a higher level.
“His ethos fit well with our ambitions and he is clearly enjoying his work and relishing the squad available to him next season.” – AAP