LEIGH LEOPARDS head coach Adrian Lam has revealed that his relationship with Chris Chester during the latter’s time at the Leigh Sports Village was “perfect”.

Chester created quite the news story when he departed the Leopards earlier in the year to take up a director of rugby role at Castleford Tigers.

Since then, Chester has been appointed as interim head coach with Danny McGuire having been given the axe.

But, when current St George Illawarra Dragons assistant Ryan Carr steps into the role ahead of the 2026 Super League season, Chester will resume his normal director of rugby duties.

It’s a role that the former Wakefield Trinity boss is used to given his time at Leigh – and his success in bringing in the likes of Lachlan Lam, Tom Amone and John Asiata is enough to fill Castleford fans with hope heading into 2026.

And now Lam has revealed just how well the two worked together during their time at the Leigh Sports Village.

“It was perfect,” Lam confessed. “We played together in our playing days so we knew each for a long time.

“We forged a really strong working relationship here. We are still very close and I speak to him a couple of times a week.

“He’s struggled a bit as a coach since he’s gone there so there’s been a bit of sledging back and forth!

“But he is trying to make changes there and change the culture which takes time.

“I’ve told him not to do anything silly or he won’t be able to leave the venue alive!”