Leigh coach Adrian Lam has brought fellow Papua New Guinean Edwin Ipape to the Centurions ahead of the 2022 Championship season.
The 22-year-old joins the Centurions from Queensland Cup side PNG Hunters. He had trials with NRL club Manly Sea Eagles in 2020 but they were ended by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ipape can half-back, hooker or loose forward. He made his Papua New Guinea debut in 2019; and scored in their famous 28-10 win over Great Britain in Port Moresby that year.
Ipape said: “I am really excited about the opportunity that Leigh Centurions have given me. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and ripping in.
“I can’t wait to play in England and test myself against the best players in the competition.”
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Adrian Lam delighted to welcome Edwin Ipape to Leigh
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of Papua New Guinea star, Edwin Ipape. The 22-year-old is the latest addition to Adrian Lam's squad for the 2022 Betfred Championship campaign!https://t.co/9uZtqIREQB pic.twitter.com/hAEFmVSr3Y
— Leigh Centurions (@LeighCenturions) January 18, 2022
Leigh coach Adrian Lam said: “Edwin is a great signing for us in that he can play in a variety of positions.
“There are two main parts to his game. Firstly, he is an aggressive defender who makes his presence felt. Secondly, he is incredibly quick and an elusive smart ball player. We hope to get him over here within a fortnight then he can get ready to make his debut.”
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Leigh head of rugby Chris Chester said: “Edwin comes highly recommended, and Adrian has been keeping close tabs on him.
“Adrian mentioned him four or five weeks ago alongside another couple of PNG players and we are very pleased to get this deal over the line. It’s been a smooth process and Edwin can’t wait to get over here and get started.
“He’s a player who can play in a number of positions, 6, 7, 9 or 13 or even as a middle and he’s a no-nonsense type of player who doesn’t take a backward step. He runs well enough, as you’ll see if you watch his video clips, and hits hard defensively
“Playing in that famous win over Great Britain really showcased his abilities and that try he scored, just before half-time, is well worth watching time and again.
“Edwin will add so much versatility and depth to our squad and he’s made up to be coached by Adrian, who remains a major sporting hero in PNG. We think he’ll take the Championship by storm and our fans will love him.
“Recruitment is still ongoing, and Edwin is another piece of the jigsaw.”
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Edwin is fast in the tracks, creates space for frontrowers & is a utility player.
That is a tremendous signing by the club and thanks to my good old mate Lammy. I predict Edwin will be a sensation to the competition and club. He is NRL material and will be an asset to the club.
Thanks Leigh Centurion for taking him on.
Arnold Krewanty
Thankyou Mr Lam for having faith in the PNG boys
Ipape is indeed a vestal and an aggressive player. Playing at this level will only make him even a bitter player, good for him and PNG Kumul if selected. His recruitment and that of Nene MacDonald is the work of Adrian Lam. I salute you Adrian for keeping PNG
close to your heart. K Sarohafa
I salute you Edwin for your new team. And as a Papua New Guinean, I am proud of you. Enjoy your time in your new team.
Thank you Mr. Lam and the Leigh management for having faith in our boys, Albert and Ipape. They are very good players and especially Edwin if cared for well will not disappoint the team. Good luck everyone ❤
Good on you Edwin and all the best. We know you will make your mark in the UK.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUNG EDWIN IPAPE FOR BEING CHOSEN & SIGNED IN FOR ONE OF THE ENGLISH RUGBY CLUB, LEIGH CENTRIONS.
THANK YOU COACH FOR LEIGH CENTRIONS, ANDRIAN LAM FOR PUTTING IN YOUR ENDEAVOURS TO SIGN EDWIN IPAPE.
THANK ALSO TO THE OWNER OF LEIGH CENTRIONS, MR. DEREK BEAUMONT & THE LEIGH CENTRIONS CLUB FOR HAVING TRUST IN A PAPUA NEW GUINEAN 🇵🇬.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MORE BEING CONTRACTED IN THE YEARS TO COME 🖍️🙏🖍️
Edwin has been in the NRL system with Manly Sea Eagles and is the great addition to the club. Thanks to Kumul man himself Lam for taking another PNG player to UK.
Cheers,
Emmanuel Michael
Lam, a man with big heart for PNG. Greetings all the way from Wabag. Thanks for having faith in our boys. Try secure Emmanuel Waine as well, he is a rugged player.
Church said ‘no’ but Lam says ‘yes’. Two different coaches,two differing opinions on a good player for two different teams. Ipape show Churchie that you are still that game breaker. Make it happen in England.
Is he really 22 years old???