Leigh star Lachlan Lam will captain Papua New Guinea for the first time against the Cook Islands this weekend, following in the footsteps of his father, Adrian, who is the Leopards’ manager.

Adrian, born in Rabaul, played 16 times for the Kumuls, scoring eight tries, and has previously served as their head coach twice. He is now in charge of Leigh.

The 54-year-old has captained his country on multiple occasions, the most recent being in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, where his team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Wales.

24 years later, son Lachlan, who was born in Sydney but represents PNG through his background, will have the honor of leading the Kumuls out for the first time.

Lam junior joined his father at Leigh in 2022 and has since made 71 appearances for the Leopards. He was nominated to the 2023 Super League Dream Team.

Leigh Leopards hero receives top international accolade and follows in father’s footsteps.

Lachlan, 26, is a half-back like his father. He made his international debut in 2017 and has 11 caps for the Kumuls.

His 12th will be at Port Moresby on Sunday, when Jason Demetriou’s team hosts the Kukis.

If PNG wins, they will top the Pacific Bowl group for the second year in a row and be eligible for promotion in a one-off game against the nation finishing last in the Pacific Cup group.

This weekend, the playmaker will captain the Kumuls, as fellow Super League standout Rhyse Martin is not participating.

Martin, who will join Hull KR in 2025 after spending the previous five and a half seasons with Leeds Rhinos, will be replaced in Demetriou’s team by Dan Russell.

Russell, a back-rower, has signed a two-year deal with Warrington Wolves after leaving NRL club St George Illawarra Dragons. He will play in Super League in 2025.