Lam: I’m happy to be back

PAPUA New Guinea international Lachlan Lam says he is thrilled to be back for the Sydney Roosters as the tri-colours look to negotiate a challenging period with injuries.
Prior to the Kumul’s return, No.6 Drew Hutchinson suffered a suspected punctured lung which threw a spanner into the works for coach Trent Robinson’s National Rugby league (NRL) club.
However, Saturday’s Magic Round win over the Cowboys marked a welcomed return to the field for Lam after the five-eighth suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in round three.
The 22-year-old did his chances of nailing down the No.6 jersey no harm with a handful of try assists in a strong performance at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
“It felt good,” he said of his return.
“It has been six weeks since I’ve been out there.
“I trained really hard in the pre-season which gave me the base to return.
“I don’t think it ended up being rushed because we had that extra week there in the bubble, I ended up feeling pretty good.
“Sammy (Walker) and I are still learning, but I think it’s good to be around older players like Teddy (James Tedesco) and Jared (Waerea-Hargreaves) and those guys.
“We’re learning on the run.”
Meanwhile, Lam said he was looking forward to Saturday’s round-11 clash with the visiting Brisbane Broncos as the Roosters celebrate the career of club legend Jake Friend.
“I’ve known him since I was very little, so it’s special to celebrate him at the Sydney Cricket Ground this weekend,” Lam said.
“Even out of playing the position, just how to deal with footy in general, he has always been a good leader and mentor, and someone you look up to.
“Jake has been our captain for a long time and if we’re going to celebrate him this week then a win is definitely what we’ll be looking for.” – roosters