League: Lam quits as PNG coach

A new Papua New Guinea coach is expected to be announced. Photo / Getty Images

Papua New Guinea rugby league coach Adrian Lam has quit in the lead up to next month's Four Nations tournament.

PNG newspapers today reported the former Queensland and PNG representative stepped down from coaching the Kumuls but no official explanation has been given.

PNG's Post Courier reported Lam wants to focus on supporting the finals' bid for NRL team St George Illawarra.

Lam is assistant to Dragon's coach Wayne Bennett.

In May, Lam made an emotional plea to the PNG Rugby League (PNGRL) to stop debilitating internal feuds, bickering and politicking other wise he would step down as Kumuls' coach.

PNGRL chairman Gary Juffa confirmed the resignation and assured fans the Kumuls were on track to be a competitive force at the Four Nations in New Zealand and Australia.

"Even with Adrian stepping down there are still contingency plans and we will carry on with the Kumuls," he said.

Lam had ended all his PNG responsibilities and a new coach would be named shortly, Juffa said.

The loss will be a costly blow for PNG who this month play the Australian Prime Minister's 13 in an annual match at Port Moresby.

PNG qualified for the Four Nations competition after winning last year's Pacific Cup but they face a massive challenge when they come up against the might of Australia, New Zealand and England.

- AAP