Lachlan Lam named as 2025 Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association Player of the Year

Lachlan Lam of Leigh Leopards has been voted Player of the Year by the Rugby League Writers and Broadcasters Association (RLWBA).

It is the second time in three years the Papua New Guinea scrum half has won the award, elevating him to a select group of players to have been recognised more than once since it was introduced for the first Super League season in 1996.

Iestyn Harris was the winner in 1998 and 1999, Jamie Peacock won it in 2003 and 2014, and Sam Tomkins remains the only three-time winner in 2011, 2012 and 2021.

Lam had already made history with his first win in 2023 by following in the footsteps of his father Adrian, the Leopards head coach, who was the RLWBA Player of the Year as a Wigan player in 2002.

It’s already been a momentous month for the Lams as Lachlan, 28, became a father earlier this month – and Adrian a grandfather.

Lachlan has pulled the strings masterfully all season as the Leopards have secured their first top three Super League finish – meaning their first home Play-Off at the Leigh Sports Village against Wakefield Trinity this Friday night.

Adrian Lam said: “It’s a massive award for him and a recognition of the work he’s done throughout the season. As far as Lochie is concerned it’s right up there at the top of his awards, and I’m proud and delighted for him.”

A total of nine players received votes, with Jake Connor a close runner-up to Lam after an outstanding debut season for Leeds Rhinos.

Three more former winners polled strongly with the 2022 winner Jai Field coming third and the 2020 and 2024 winners Bevan French and Mikey Lewis joining the Hull KR hooker Jez Litten in a tie for fourth.

Two more Hull KR players – the French full-back Arthur Mourgue and their captain Elliot Minchella - plus Hull FC prop Herman Ese’ese and the Leeds full-back Lachlan Miller also received votes.