ADRIAN Lam insists Josh Charnley still has a future at Leigh Leopards after the winger made his return to action in Friday’s derby win over Wigan Warriors.
The Leopards’ record Betfred Super League try-scorer had not featured since the 26-12 defeat at home to Hull FC on May 22, having crossed the whitewash just one try so far this season.
But an injury to Darnell McIntosh opened the door for Charnley to return to the side and although he didn’t manage to add to his haul of tries for Leigh in Super League, the former England international still put in a strong display to make a case for more involvement.
- Sam Burgess: I don’t know what was worse, the game or the weather
- Bailey Hodgson grabs his chance in Leigh Leopards derby triumph
- Subscribe to rugbyleaguehub.com on YouTube
“He’s just got to play better than everyone else,” Lam told Sky Sports.
“There were a couple of changes and positional changes…and you always go into a game nervous about that.
“There were a few moving parts there, we had a job to do, and conditions probably didn’t suit.
“But we managed to hang in there and the great part was to get the win in the last 10 or 15 minutes.”
Charnley is out of contract at the end of the season and there had been speculation he could leave Leigh on loan, although ultimately he stayed put.
His return to the side saw him make 212 metres with an average gain of 10 metres per carry plus one tackle bust and one clean break, along with coming up with some crucial tackles in defence.
“I’m happy for Josh,” Lam said. “He’s been patient and there have been some tough times in there and tough conversations.
“But just the person he is, I’m glad he’s got this opportunity to play again.
“To come home and play against Wigan, one of his old clubs, I’m proud of that as well.”