Edwin Ipape excited for World Cup after clinching Super League promotion
Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix
It has been a dream season for Leigh hooker Edwin Ipape, who deservedly got his hands on every trophy available to him in 2022.
The Papua New Guinea international arrived at the Centurions at the start of the year after being signed by fellow countryman Adrian Lam.
Ipape quickly became a fan favourite on the terraces at the Leigh Sports Village with his powerful displays.
The 23-year-old hooker picked up the Ray French Award following a man of the match display in their 1895 Cup final win over Featherstone at Tottenham in May.
Ipape then went on to help Leigh win the League Leaders’ Shield in the Championship as well as being named the Championship’s Player of the Year.
And on Sunday, Ipape played in Leigh’s Championship Grand Final win over Batley, securing promotion to Super League for 2023.
“It can’t get any better than this,” Ipape told Love Rugby League.
“We’ve had a very consistent year and to finish it off here at home in front of a good crowd is awesome. I just can’t believe we are in Super League now.
“We took each week at a time and we kept on building. We had a clear plan and now we’ve ticked the final box in the plan which was to get into Super League. I’m stoked.”
The dream year continues for Edwin Ipape
Ipape’s incredible season hasn’t stopped just yet. He has been selected to represent his native Papua New Guinea in his first World Cup this autumn.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to represent our country,” he added.
“To get an opportunity to play in my first World Cup is going to be massive. I’m looking forward to it.”
The Kumuls are in a group alongside Tonga, Wales and the Cook Islands. Stanley Tepend’s side get their World Cup campaign underway against Tonga in St Helens on Sunday, October 16.
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