From no contract to Super Rugby: Joel Lam grabs Moana Pasifika chance with both hands

A year ago, Joel Lam had no contract and no clear path. Now he’s running out in Super Rugby for Moana Pasifika, and making the most of it.

The 23-year-old halfback from Christchurch arrived in Auckland on a short-term preseason deal with Moana, with no guarantees beyond a few weeks. That was enough.

“It’s been pretty cool," he told Pacific Huddle. "I got pulled in on a player interim contract for the preseason block for seven weeks.

"I managed to secure myself a few more weeks after the preseason, now into the season.”

That progress has already delivered a moment many players wait years for - his first appearance at Eden Park, a venue Lam had not previously played at, despite being involved with Manu Sāmoa last year.

“Pretty cool. I’ve never played there before… I’ve always wanted to play there.”

Blues halfback Taufa Funaki tackled by Moana Pasifika’s Joel Lam at Eden Park. Photo/Photosport/Alan Lee

Lam’s rise is a sharp turnaround from 2025 when he was without a contract and switching between both rugby union and rugby league to stay in the game.

He played for Hornby Panthers in Christchurch before heading to Brisbane, joining the Souths Logan Magpies.

There, he played in the Brisbane Rugby League competition and trained with Queensland Cup players, building his game the hard way.

Manu Sāmoa's Joel Lam against the Flying Fijians in the Pacific Nations Cup rugby union test match at Rotorua International Stadium, New Zealand, on Saturday 6 September 2025. Fiji won 29-15. Photo/Photosport/Stephen Parker

Then a call-up that changed everything. “I got a call from Manu Sāmoa and then shifted my stuff back out of my room after two months living there and I was back on tour.”

Lam says his return to rugby union and involvement with Moana Pasifika came after earlier contact within the Crusaders system, and an opportunity developed once he was back playing the code.

That experience helped reconnect Lam with his Sāmoan roots, something that now shapes his journey with Moana Pasifika.

Joel Lam thanks the fans on Facebook after the loss to the Blues at Eden Park.

He comes from a large aiga with more than 300 family members and says that connection keeps him grounded.

“Yeah, there is a good chunk of us 350-plus. There’s a lot of us in our aiga, which is pretty cool and special to me.”

His time with Manu Sāmoa also brought him closer to family on the field, linking with cousin and former captain Jack Lam.

“Being exposed to Sāmoa has led me down the path of reconnecting with the Lam side of my family.”

Fans out in force as Moana Pasifika took on the Blues at Eden Park in round 5 of Super Rugby Pacific. Photo/Photospot/Alan Lee

Back in union, Lam’s chance with Moana Pasifika grew from earlier links within the Crusaders system. But it’s the environment in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland that has helped him settle quickly.

“As soon as I stepped in the door, I just felt welcomed. Definitely feels like home here."

There's also been growth in his game. His stint in rugby league added an edge, physically and mentally.

“It’s like an arm wrestle, one mistake genuinely costs points,” he says. “It gave me some balls haha… being able to defend and attack in different ways.”

Listen to the full interview with Joel Lam on Facebook.

He credits head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga and the Moana Pasifika environment for easing his transition to Auckland.

Like many young players from Christchurch, Lam came through St Andrew’s College, following a path similar to All Blacks star Richie Mo'unga. “He inspired me to do what he did, especially going to the same school.”

Now, Lam is carving out his own story, one built on patience, movement across codes, and taking chances when they come.

He says his approach remains consistent regardless of role, with defence a key focus. “I always thrive off my energy. If I’m making fewer tackles in the game, it means my team is doing the right work.”

Lam will start at halfback against the Crusaders when Moana Pasifika host them at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday, 21 March. Kickoff is at 7pm.

From no contract to a Super Rugby squad, his rise will resonate across the Pacific game, where opportunity is often earned the hard way.

For more information on Super Rugby Pacific 2026, click here.