Leigh not just making up the numbers as Edwin Ipape revels in icon status

Edwin Ipape will represent his beloved Papua New Guinea with pride this season as the newly-promoted Leigh Leopards look to make their mark in Super League.

The 24-year-old hooker has been nothing short of a sensation since his move to England at the start of last year. He was Leigh’s standout performer as he helped Adrian Lam’s side gain promotion to Super League, scooping the Championship Player of the Year award in the process.

Ipape’s breakthrough season didn’t stop there though. He represented his native Papua New Guinea in the end of year World Cup.

And Ipape wants to do his nation proud in England’s top tier of rugby league this year.

He told Love Rugby League: “Papua New Guinea is a rugby league nation. For me to be in Super League, I’m not only playing for myself and my family, but for the pride of my country. I’m very aware of that.

“I don’t put too much pressure on myself though. I know what people from me, I know what it takes for me to be up there; and what it takes for me to be the best that I can possibly be on the field.

“I appreciate all the support and everything. It just gives me the responsibility to carry myself well as a person for my country and for the sport as well.

“From the bottom of my heart, I appreciate each and every one of them who send support on social media. Some people even pray for me, so I appreciate every bit of it.

“It’s a great thing, not only for myself, but for Papua New Guinea rugby league. If I can do it, then why can’t 10 more Papua New Guineans do it?”

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Edwin Ipape finds a home away from home

Ipape struggled with homesickness at the beginning of his journey in England. But now he has found a home away from home in Leigh, where he has become a fan favourite.

“If I didn’t enjoy it I wouldn’t be here,” Ipape said. “I enjoyed being here last year.

“I’ve missed home a couple of times but I feel like I’ve made Leigh a home away from home, so I’m really settled at the moment.

“I walk around town and kids come up to me asking for pictures. It’s so inspiring and it is awesome to be around a town to see people appreciating your efforts and appreciating you for representing them as well.”

Fourth time lucky for Leigh?

The Leopards will be hoping it is fourth time lucky in 2023. They’ve been in Super League on three occasions before, unfortunately tasting relegation each time.

But Lam’s side don’t just want to survive this season. They want to be at the higher end of the table after spending big in the off-season.

“I don’t want to just stay up in Super League,” Ipape added. “I want to compete and try to win something.

“And I don’t want us to just make the numbers or to survive, I want us to test ourselves against the best.

“Staying up is not the motivation for me, I want to compete and we want to show that we are capable to be there.”

Leigh get their Super League campaign underway against Salford on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.

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