Huge problem for Super League side as old friends plans NRL move for star man

A number of clubs have produced some outstanding business going into 2024 including Wigan Warriors who have signed former Leeds Rhinos star and Huddersfield Giants hooker Kruise Leeming alongside Sam Walters and Tiaki Chan who has already been replaced by Catalans Dragons by the signing of Hull FC star Chris Satae.

Speaking of Hull, Hull KR have signed former Warrington Wolves star Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart and former Castleford Tigers target AJ Wallace from the Bradford Bulls.

Leigh Leopards meanwhile have been active though haven’t confirmed any of their new signings but they are expected to sign St Helens forward Dan Norman as well as Owen Trout.

This comes after some amazing recruitment going into this season such as the arrival of Zak Hardaker and Ricky Leutele.

However, these should not distract from the business Leigh, as the Centurions, did so that the Leopards could leap into Super League.

Part of this came with some sizeable signings like Blake Ferguson, Josh Charnley and Lachlan Lam but there were also chances taken on players namely Edwin Ipape.

An unknown hooker who joined the then Centurions for 2022 and was an instant hit.

He was the Ray French Award winner as Man of the Match as Leigh beat Featherstone at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium in the 1895 Cup Final and was their danger man all season as they lost one league game all season, finished top and earned promotion with a Grand Final win over Batley.

He was also crowned Championship Player of the Year beating out teammate John Asiata.

All of this came whilst starting most games off the bench which made it all even more impressive.

However, now the Leopards could face a difficult battle to keep the hooker with St George Illawarra Dragons interested in bringing him to the NRL according to the Daily Telegraph as Shane Flanagan begins his rebuild.

The fact Flanagan is behind this move is a problem for Leigh given Ipape and he have a previous relationship from Flanagan’s work in the Papua New Guinea set up.

Could this tempt Ipape to the NRL?