AAP: EDWIN Ipape has rejected interest from multiple Super League and NRL clubs, with the PNG star signing a record six-year contract extension with Leigh Leopards.
Papua New Guinea hooker Edwin Ipape has opted against joining the NRL, signing a six-year contract extension with his Super League outfit.
Ipape would have been an obvious recruitment target for the new NRL franchise in Port Moresby, who aren’t yet able to offer contracts ahead of their first season in 2028.
The 26-year-old, set to come off contract at the end of the current UK season, was also on the radar of multiple NRL clubs.
But Ipape has put pen to paper on a deal with Leigh Leopards that runs until 2031, giving the club a major boost ahead of their 24-10 win over Huddersfield.
“Edwin’s decision sends a massive sign we’re a club heading in the right direction,” Leigh coach Adrian Lam, who has also played for and coached PNG, said.
“There was a lot of interest from the NRL and other Super League clubs, so it’s a major coup for us to build our future based round players like Edwin.
“I’m very excited.”
It is the longest contract ever handed out by the club.
Leopards owner Derek Beaumont said on the club website that “there are no exit clauses, they were never asked for”.
“It’s a statement of intent for our club and from Edwin with his commitment,” Beaumont added.
Ipape’s logic for staying put was simple.
“I love the club … I love the fans, I love the town,” he told the club website.
“My family’s happy here. I’m happy also, so what more?”
Meanwhile, Lam warned there is plenty more to come from new signing David Armstrong after the Australian marked his home debut with a try in Leigh’s win on Sunday (local time).
The former Newcastle Knights fullback displayed his searing pace to score in the corner in the second half, then sent fellow home debutant Tesi Niu over for the game-clinching try.
Armstrong and Niu were among five players who made their first home appearances as Leigh followed up last week’s historic opening 1-0 golden-point win at Wigan with another victory.
“His game was OK. I think there’s a fair bit of improvement still from Davey. He didn’t train all week because of an injury,” Lam said of Armstrong.
“There was a 50-50 chance of him not playing.
“I’m grateful he’s very courageous and made himself available to play. He wasn’t quite there tonight, but scoring one try and setting up another – it just shows what levels he’s going to get to once he’s 100 per cent.”
Leigh trailed 8-6 at halftime at a blustery Leigh Sports Village after Huddersfield Giants forward Oliver Wilson had cancelled out Keanan Brand’s opening try for the hosts.
But Lam’s side dominated the second period.
