LEIGH LEOPARDS head coach Adrian Lam has backed his “unbelievable” centre Umyla Hanley to make England’s World Cup squad at the end of the year.
Hanley has enjoyed a notable rise in the past two years to become a Super League regular and then make last season’s Dream Team.
He made just two appearances during his first campaign as a Leigh player in 2023, before becoming one of Lam’s most important players.
Hanley’s form has led to growing calls for the 24-year-old to be taken to Australia for the World Cup this autumn – and Lam is banging the drum.
“He has been unbelievable and he should be a part of the England squad for the World Cup,” Lam claimed.
“He competes as well as anyone in Super League. He’s very professional and inspires our team every single week.
“I think he should be part of that squad one way or another.”
It’s been a whirlwind journey for Hanley, who was ready to throw the rugby league towel in before Lam, who also coached him at Wigan Warriors, came calling with a trial offer at Leigh.
Lam said: “The greatest part about coaching is making those phone calls. He doesn’t know about much else so I don’t know what he’d be doing outside rugby.
“At Wigan, I gave him his debut as an 18-year-old and then when I left, they didn’t see the future in him there.
“As soon as I knew he wasn’t wanted, I couldn’t get on the phone quickly enough.
“I remember calling him when he had his steel-capped boots on and his hi-vis vest.
“I rang him and said that we would love him to come here and he became emotional, saying that he wouldn’t let me down.
“It’s been a pleasure to watch him develop and grow. I think England needs someone like him in the squad that can set standards and give a little bit of x-factor.”
* Read an exclusive interview with Umyla Hanley in the August issue of Rugby League World, available now.