More to come from Caleb Aekins insists Adrian Lam
Caleb Aekins celebrates his first try (Photo: Allan McKenzie / SWpix)
Leigh head coach Adrian Lam believes there’s more to come from star full-back Caleb Aekins.
Aekins made the switch to the UK during the off-season to join the Centurions.
The 24-year-old began his career at Penrith Panthers, making his debut in 2018. He went on to make 12 appearances for the club before joining Canberra in 2021.
He scored a hat-trick in Leigh’s 38-4 victory over Widnes to send his side through to the fifth round of the Challenge Cup.
Despite his performance, Lam believes fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.
Lam said: “He could have scored four or five tries (against Widnes).
“He’s finding his way in this team and this competition and I think he’ll only get better as the season goes on.
“Caleb is an ultimate competitor.
“He’s won the New South Wales Cup player of the year which is their reserve grade competition which just shows that he’s talented.
“He’s been in the system there for a long time. He understands the game and he’s got that bit of experience for us.”
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World Cup dream for Caleb Aekins
Aekins says he would love to make his family proud by representing Wales at this year’s World Cup.
The full-back was born and raised in New Zealand, but he is of Welsh heritage through his mother Kimberley’s side of the family.
He said: “I’m looking forward to putting on the Welsh jersey if it comes about and representing my family.
“It would be everything to my mum. My grandfather as well, he was a proud Welshman, he was the one who took us over. He passed away a few years ago but I know it would mean everything to him. He would be proud.
“I’m in a WhatsApp with them (Wales) but other than generalised messages I haven’t spoken to them personally but I’m looking forward to getting to know them.”