Finding a successor to Willie Peters will be no easy task – but a potential option could be closer to home than expected.
Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam celebrates with the fans.
Hull KR are poised to ramp up their pursuit of a new head coach for 2027, with a May appointment firmly in their sights as confirmed by CEO Paul Lakin.
Willie Peters’ successor will have big boots to fill following a hugely successful period under the Australian, with the East Hull club winning every major honour available over the past 12 months.
However, strong foundations have been laid for continued success at Sewell Group Craven Park, alongside ongoing squad planning – including the recent retention of experienced centre Peta Hiku.
One possible candidate could be close to home than expected, with Adrian Lam seemingly a strong fit from the outside looking in.
Like Peters, the Papua New Guinea icon has built a reputation on building strong connections and cultures, overseeing Leigh’s impressive rise in recent years.
The club’s 2023 Challenge Cup triumph ended a wait of more than 50 years for success in the prestigious competition, as they defeated Hull KR at Wembley in a golden-point thriller. Lam also guided the Leopards to their highest-ever Super League finish in 2025 on the table, along with back-to-back semi-final appearances.
The timing of Peters’ departure – with the Australian set to leave at the end of 2026 to become the inaugural head coach of PNG Chiefs – has worked in Hull KR’s favour. It has afforded the club valuable breathing space to ensure they make the right appointment, with interest in the role expected from both sides of the globe.
Lam has been part of Leigh since the 2022 season and has the club in his heart, meaning any decision to move on would of course be significant.
Nevertheless, he is a name who fits a similar mould to Peters in terms of culture and leadership. The coming weeks promise to be intriguing as the search gathers pace.