Edwin Ipape update as Leigh coach talks up new signing

Leigh coach Adrian Lam has revealed that star hooker Edwin Ipape is likely to return for the Leopards’ trip to Hull KR on Friday night.

The Papua New Guinea international missed last week’s 14-6 defeat to Catalans Dragons in Perpignan with an ankle injury.

But Leopards coach Lam confirmed it was only a minor knock. Ipape is in contention to play in Friday’s game at Hull KR.

Lam told Love Rugby League: “He’s going to be included in the 21 as he was last week.

“We’ll make a decision on him on captain’s run but he will more than likely play.”

Ipape also welcomed his family to the UK after they made the trip over from Papua New Guinea last week.

Lam added: “Edwin’s family are here and he’s very happy that’s happened.

“His wife and two kids are here and it’s perfect for him and us as a club. It gets him in a place where he is very happy and hopefully his best rugby will fly off the back of that.

“He wasn’t in our squad last week because of his ankle, but moving forward we are going to give him every chance of being right and we’ll make a decision on him on captain’s run.”

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The Leopards have signed utility forward Joe Shorrocks on a two-week loan from Super League neighbours Wigan.

Shorrocks is comfortable playing loose forward, hooker and centre, with his versatility pleasing Lam.

“We are very grateful to have him on board here, he’s trained with us this morning,” Lam said.

“He will be included in that squad for Hull KR as well. We’ll see how he faces up at training this week to see whether he makes that 17.

“He’s a great athlete and a great person. I’ve watched him since he was a young lad in the Wigan system. He’s played a massive part of the success in their juniors. He is a player that I love because he is as fit as any player in the competition, but is also very skilful.

“Joe has got big minutes in him and he has got a big engine. His ability to work hard within the group will set standards for everyone. We will work out the role that he will play here as we go along but he is certainly a player that I see as a player who will help the group improve.

“He’s one of those players that can play in pretty much every position. Under me at Wigan he played half, centre, back-row, 13 and in the middle, so he’s very versatile and that benefits us at the moment. I think whatever his position will be will settle down over the next few weeks whilst he’s here.”

Leigh will aim to get their first win of the 2023 Super League season on Friday night when they travel to Hull KR.

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