Lancashire Lynx (1996-2000)
In 1996 they were bought by Preston North End football club and they moved to Deepdale stadium. They became Lancashire Lynx at the start of 1997 after a short non-playing spell as Central Lancashire. The club colours were originally royal blue shirts with yellow flashings on the shoulders and sleeves, and red trim. Later when the club relocated back to Victory Park, Chorley the shirts became red with black flashings, and white trim. Tamati gave up his post as Rugby League development officer with Warrington Borough Council to become full-time coach with the Lynx on 31 October 1997.
Lancashire Lynx reached the final of the Anglo-French Treize Tournoi in 1998 and finished top of the Second Division. Tamati was released by Lynx at end of the 1998 season, after failing to agree a new contract. Former Wigan player, Steve Hampson took over as coach in 1999.
In 2000, Lynx won just one of their 19 league games, conceding over 900 points. The club had lost their last two games by a record 98-4 to Keighley Cougars and 72-13 to Dewsbury Rams. Hampson left by "mutual consent" in May 2000. And at the end of the season, the Preston North End backers withdrew from running Lancashire Lynx, and only the last-minute intervention of Trevor Hemmings saved the club from folding.
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