Edwin Ipape backed to become ‘one of the best international nines in the world’

Leigh coach Adrian Lam believes Papua New Guinea star Edwin Ipape has the potential to become one of the best hookers in the world.

A masterclass from Ipape inspired Leigh to claim a 20-6 win over last year’s Grand Finalists Leeds on Friday night.

The 24-year-old played a key role in helping the Leopards win promotion to Super League last season, and he has seemingly kicked on to another level in Super League this year.

Speaking to the media after the game, Lam was full of praise for his fellow countryman, saying the sky is the limit for Ipape.

“He was awesome tonight,” Lam said. “He’s been building.

“He missed a lot of our pre-season due to the World Cup, his injury and having to go home to bring his family over, so it was always going to be around this time when he started to find some form.

“I think his fitness is the key behind him being a better player. Like I said at the start of the year, he was always going to be one of the better nines in the competition.

“Within the next 12 months, I think he could be one of the best international nines in the world.

“We’ve just got to be patient with him and make sure he’s learning as he goes every week.”

Edwin Ipape impresses as Adrian Lam hails Leigh’s starting front-rowers

Lam gave plenty of credit to his starting front-row pair of Tom Amone and Robbie Mulhern after their win over Leeds.

He said: “I’ll give credit to Tom Amone as well, who played 70 minutes straight in the front-row against a big Leeds pack, that was unbelievable.

“Him and Mulhern have been playing some big minutes lately. We had zero changes at half-time which you don’t often see in rugby league so that was a bit different for us too. It was exactly what we needed really to get more minutes in to the players.

“Both of our starting front-rowers have been hot and cold at times, but I thought Mulhern played his best game for us. I think that’s where we’ve improved as a side.”

Lam added: “I’m over the moon. The first half was unbelievable and we were near perfect in all areas. We completed the first 13 sets which is semi-final level.

“Overall it was a really good performance. Second half was clunky but we defended really well.

“I was really proud of them, especially after a short turnaround having played at Wakefield last Sunday. The way we defended in the last two weeks has been outstanding.”

Leigh’s win over Leeds sees them move in to seventh in the Super League table, level on points with fifth-placed St Helens.

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