Adrian Lam struggled to stay composed as he reflected on his son Lachlan’s impressive NRL debut for the Roosters on Saturday.

Speaking after Wigan’s 30-22 win over Salford at the AJ Bell Stadium, Lam was the picture of a proud father. Lachlan came off the bench in the victory against Manly, setting up a try for Boyd Cordner with a kick and making some strong tackles in defence.

“I was proud, it’s been an emotional week,” Lam said. “I’m exhausted now purely off the back of the win today with the Wigan club and Lachlan making his debut yesterday.

“It was a pretty special moment and I’ve just got make sure I don’t get emotional here because they’re all bagging me for being an emotional father.

“He’s come through, played at Wigan St Pats in his first year and done everything in Australia in the juniors at the Roosters. So, Australian Schoolboys, State of Origin Under-16s and Under-20s, player of the year at the Roosters in Under-16s, Under-18s and Under-20s.

“So he’s made all these special moments at that club. For him to get a go there on Saturday is unbelievable with the journey he’s been on.

“I’m just proud of him and happy that he played well. He set up a try and defended really great. It’s been a childhood dream of his to wear the red, white and blue.”

Lachlan FaceTimed his father in Wigan from the Brookvale Oval turf immediately after the match, as he posed for photos with friends and family. With his father Adrian a Tricolors legend, there has always been pressure and expectation on Lam junior to follow in his footsteps.

Adrian played seven seasons for the Roosters, scoring 42 tries in 146 appearances. He helped lead the club to the 2000 grand final, where the Chooks were beaten by Brisbane.

Sydney-born Lachlan has been involved in the Roosters’ junior system since the age of 13, coming through the Harold Matthews, SG Ball Cup and National Youth Competition sides. The halfback made his Test debut for Papua New Guinea at the 2017 World Cup.

With Cooper Cronk out injured for the Sea Eagles game, Lachlan was named on the bench and got his first taste of the NRL in the second half.

Adrian revealed his thoughts to his oldest son was just to go out there “and have fun”.

“I tried not to speak to him all week because he’s gone really well since I left, to be honest with you!” the 48-year-old joked.

“So I thought maybe it’s me. I just thought I’d say to him you’ve been doing this all your life, nothing’s different. So you’ve been preparing for this moment your whole life, just go out there and have fun.”