NRL side urged to sign Leigh Leopards ‘star’ Edwin Ipape

A leading NRL journalist has urged the new PNG NRL side to sign Edwin Ipape from Leigh Leopards.

The new franchise from Papua New Guinea are set to join NRL in 2028, after The Dolphins became the first expansion for a long time in the league.

They came close to making the play-offs in what was just their second-ever season this year.

They were near the top of the ladder for much of the season, but eventually narrowly missed out due to a defeat to Newcastle Knights in the final round.

Western Bears, rebranded from North Sydney Bears, are also expected to join the competition in 2027.

The Dolphins’ good start to life in NRL gives any potential expansion sides plenty of hope that they could potentially push for the play-offs early in their existence, and they should therefore push hard with recruitment in an attempt to make that possible.

New NRL side told to sign Leigh Leopards star Edwin Ipape

Edwin Ipape was electric against Salford Red Devils – both in attack and defence, and most notably, provided a magical run and assist.

Across the year, he has been excellent – in what is just his second year in Super League, where apart from injuries, he has been almost ever-present for the side.

He has scored six tries this year, and ranks highly for metres run from dummy half, despite being injured for months of the season.

He’s also eighth in the league for average game from his runs with the ball.

Now, NRL journalist Brad Walter has suggested, via Twitter: “Edwin should be one of the first players signed by the PNG NRL team if they are admitted to the comp. What a star.”

He also said: “NRL clubs have tried but Edwin is loyal to Adrian Lam, who gave him the opportunity to shine in Super League.”

Adrian Lam has been linked with a move to the franchise, and being Papua New Guinean, it seems likely that he could take the role eventually.