From Sydney to Leigh via Hull as Ben McNamara reacquaints with Lam family

21 January 2024 , 18:15

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Ben McNamara in training with Leigh and, inset, as captain of Sydney Roosters Under 15s which had current Leigh boss Adrian Lam on its staff (Image: Terry Rytz)

Ben McNamara can’t wait to link up again with Leigh star Lachlan Lam - after last knocking around together as schoolmates in Sydney.

Stand-off McNamara, 22, hails from Hull but ended up in Australia after dad Steve became Sydney Roosters assistant coach in 2014. It’s there where he first met current Leigh boss Adrian Lam and Dream Team half-back Lachlan, 25, who went on to star for the Roosters before heading to the UK. Yorkshireman McNamara, who has joined the Challenge Cup holders from Hull FC for 2024, explained: “I used to play with Bailey, Adrian’s younger son.

“He still lives in Australia. We are really good mates but I also went to the same school as Lachie - Marcellin College - so I did know him well. We used to go down to Coogee Oval and all play touch footy together when we were younger. I’ve got quite a long relationship with all the Lams so it’s quite interesting and different to re-catch up with them five years down the road and working with each other.”

Working professionally with ex-Wigan, Roosters and Queensland State of Origin scrum-half Lam, 53, was one of the big pulls for the promising player who struggled for a regular spot at Hull. McNamara, who played under Lam for Sydney Roosters Under 15s but came home from Oz in time for his GCSEs, said: “Leigh’s such a great side - such an attacking side.

"And I just wanted to come and be coached by Adrian because I really think he can bring the best out of me. I have to check myself sometimes because you start to put a bit of pressure on yourself when you’ve not nailed down a starting spot. But I have only just turned 22. I’m hitting that point in my career now where I feel like ready to take on a role when I have the same job week in week out to do for a team and I can do it well.”

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However, with ex-Kangaroos stand-off Matt Moylan signed to partner Lam in the halves, he has switched positions at Leopards who took Super League by storm after promotion last year. Lam Senior has instead made McNamara a back-up hooker to Dream Team No9 Edwin Ipape for the new season which kick-offs next month. He said: “That’s how he’s going to try and use me.

Ben McNamara in training with Leigh in Lanzarote (Terry Rytz)

"Obviously, there’s only two spots for half-backs in the team and the bench is dominated by forwards in the game at the moment. So I think if you’re a half-back you’ve got to try and find another way to get picked in the team if you’re not picked at six or seven. I’m really happy to do that role for the team and put my best foot forward in it.

“Obviously we’ve got Edwin. He's really helpful to learn from. Dream Team hooker? You can’t get any better than that. To be fair, he’s got some qualities you can’t coach: his speed and power out of nine is unbelievable. He’s a top guy and really helpful really good to work alongside.

"We've Edwin starting but this team is moving towards a two-hooker system: the one that’s explosive, which Edwin obviously is, and the one that’s a foil for that. I’m looking forward to that and doing something a little bit different. I’m excited for the year ahead.”

Catalans boss Steve McNamara and son Ben, in Hull colours. (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

McNamara averaged just eight games per season for Hull since debuting in 2020 so it's clear to see why he's looking to making his mark at his new club. However, many sleight-built halves might wince at the prospect of moving into the pack and especially given the increased tackling workload which comes with it. But he insisted: "It’s something I do enjoy, to be fair.

"I’ve always thought that my defence is one of my stronger parts of my game, even as a half-back. I don’t mind that too much. I think the simplicity of it is quite nice at times to be in the middle and doing the hard work and not having to over-think things. I’m not too fazed by that. There’s always a bit of a reluctance from half-backs to transition to nine as it’s probably not as glamorous a position. But I'm fine with it."

David Craven