Edwin Ipape grateful for “massive opportunity” Leigh have given him
Edwin Ipape in action for Leigh | Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Papua New Guinea international Edwin Ipape wants to lift the 1895 Cup this weekend as a “thank you” gift to Leigh for giving him an opportunity.
The 23-year-old hooker has been with the Centurions for nearly four months now after arriving from Queensland Cup side PNG Hunters.
Ipape is enjoying his first taste of being full-time professional rugby league player, and says he will be forever grateful to the Centurions who took a chance on him.
He told Love Rugby League: “It was massive for me.
“To get an opportunity to come here for rugby league and to witness life outside of rugby league – you don’t get many opportunities like that in life. Coming here was massive for me, the people that care about me and the fans back home.
“I’ve got good people around me. We’ve got a good team and the coaching staff have been really supportive and helpful so they’ve helped me in settle in.”
1895 Cup final awaits Leigh
Leigh take on Championship rivals Featherstone in the 1895 Cup final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Ipape believes fellow his Papua New Guinean Adrian Lam is building something special at the club.
He added: “Everyone is looking at Leigh and the way we are playing this year and the way we are going is remarkable.
“I’ve been involved in a few other clubs but not in a club like this, we are building something special and are heading in the right direction.
“It is another opportunity to experience the facilities and stadium. To get to travel to London and things like that is amazing and I’m really looking forward to taking it on and enjoying the moment.”
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Leigh and Featherstone have met once this season, with Rovers claiming the bragging rights in round two of the season.
Ipape wasn’t at Leigh when the sides last met, but believes it can be a different story this weekend.
He added: “I’ve watched that game back. It was a different team that played in the second round and now we are a completely different team coming into this final so it will be exciting for the fans and the rugby league community.”
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