Leopards locked in for The Final Charge

Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam insists his side's focus remains firmly on themselves as they continue their Final Charge towards the end of the season.

Back-to-back statement victories over league leaders Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls have strengthened the Leopards’ position in the race for a top four finish, with last week's stunning 62-10 victory over the Bulls arguably their most complete performance of the campaign.

With just two regular-season fixtures remaining, Lam knows every point could prove crucial as the Leopards chase the reward of a home Play-Off tie:

"It was a result we needed in the sense of points for and against as well on the table.

"We've got to try and finish up as far as we can for a home final. That will be an incredible result considering the year that we've had.

"It was nice to see us flow for 80 minutes [against Bradford] and keep that professionalism for the consistent performance."

While fans may be keeping a close eye on the Betfred Super League table and results elsewhere, Lam says his players are concentrating solely on maintaining the standards that have helped fuel their recent surge.

The Leopards have shown glimpses of their best throughout the campaign, but their head coach was particularly pleased by his side's united display in the Bulls game:

"We can't control the other results. All we can control really is our own performance in that 80 minutes.

"One of the things we've been working really hard on is staying professional and present within each minute of each half. We’ve been hot and cold at times, but I thought on Friday night against Bradford, we were consistent for the 80 minutes. So, it's a massive plus for us as a group, achieving that."

As Leigh continue to elevate themselves for the closing stages of this season and beyond, the club recently secured the signing of Jack Ashworth, a player Lam has admired for some time following his previous loan spells with the Leopards.

"I've been a fan of Jack for a couple of years and tried to get him here a couple of years ago. He’s only going to add some size to us and some directness and power about him,” Lam said.

"We’ve got a lot to work on with him in the immediate future, but he's certainly a player that I think will develop within our system and add to the squad as we finalise this year and into the future as well."

Attention now turns to Friday evening's trip at the Accu Stadium, Leigh's final away fixture of the regular season.

The Leopards have enjoyed success on their recent visits to Huddersfield, but Lam is expecting a massive challenge from a Giants side that has found form at an important stage of the season:

"It's going to be a tough week preparing for the Giants. I think they're playing some good rugby at the moment.

"They move the ball as good as anyone in the competition, and I feel that they're connected as a group and it's going to take a mighty effort to go up there and win.

"I know our fans have always travelled well there for us and supported us really well.

“We've had a bit of joy up there. It doesn't guarantee us anything, but I think if we're 1% off there on Friday night, it's going to be a real tough night for us.

"But if I feel that if we're focused and we maintain that momentum we've had, we should do a good job there and come away with the two points.

"It's important for us, of all the hard work we've done, not to slip up. We talk about being professional and consistent - these are one of those nights that needs to be in that look as well."

Despite Huddersfield's difficult year, Lam believes Jim Lenihan’s men possess the quality to trouble any team and insists the Leopards will not be taking their opponents lightly:

"They've got some great individuals and a really good 17 squad for them.

"They've been inconsistent at times, but they've had a lot of injuries this year, Huddersfield, and they seem like they're just about all back now on board playing, and they're playing connected as a group.

"We’re not underestimating them. They're a good team. They've won four of their last five. They've definitely got a different look about them and we'll respect that."

And with Leigh fans expected to once again travel in numbers, Lam hopes their support can help inspire the Leopards as they look to take another significant step in their Final Charge:

"It’s our last away game, and if our fans can get up there on the Friday night, we've always had that support there and we've always come up with a win.

“To have your support there on Friday would be appreciated."

Watch Leigh Leopards travel to Huddersfield Giants on Friday (28 August) live on Sky Sports (K.O. 8pm).