ADRIAN LAM believes Umyla Hanley is an inspiration to young British players after earning a call-up to the extended England performance squad.
Hanley, along with Sydney Roosters utility Hugo Savala, was added to the now 40-strong England squad ahead of this autumn’s World Cup.
The 23-year-old centre, who made Super League’s Dream Team last year, spent the first three months of this campaign sidelined with shoulder issues but has since excelled for the top-four chasing Leigh Leopards.
And his head coach Lam could not be happier for Hanley, who joined Leigh almost four years ago when unwanted by Wigan Warriors.
“It’s a punch in the air for Umyla and absolutely well deserved,” said Lam.
“He is the ultimate competitor and leads our standards. He competes at the next level and gets what he deserved.
“He hasn’t been there for half the season and we missed the strike on the edges, but for him to perform like that in the short time he has been back has been superb.
“He plays with injuries – whether it’s a soft tissue or a hamstring or knee injury, he will play regardless.
“He is mentally tough and inspires our team. It’s great news for him and his family, our fans and our club to have him representing Leigh Leopards.
“I absolutely believe that he was one of the best centres in the competition last year.
“How he has elevated himself from nothing to where he is now has been phenomenal.
“It is inspirational for young British players to look up to someone like that. I still think he has got a few levels to go up.”