Leigh Leopards star Edwin Ipape is undoubtedly one of the best hookers in Super League, but he could be set for a positional switch as the year progresses.
Ipape has been such an influential cog in the Leopards machine since his arrival in 2022. Starring in the Championship-winning season, he took to the top flight like a duck to water, and wowed fans almost instantly with his work rate in both attack and defence.
The Papua New Guinean international is currently under a long-term contract at Leigh, with his current deal running until the end of 2031. His home may not be changing any time soon, but his position on the field could well be.
That is because boss Adrian Lam is trying to utilise his star man in a different way, in order to offer an alternative threat when the side is attacking.
The potential switch would see Ipape move from hooker to loose forward, and after already trialling the move in 2026, Lam is so far pleased with the results.
The role change also has an affect on new recruit Liam Horne, who is versatile and can play both of those positions to a high level.
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The boss’ plan would see former Castleford man Horne play out of hooker, with Ipape utilised as the ball-playing 13 – in a bid to speed up the side’s attack.
Lam touched on the idea last week following the victory over Leeds Rhinos, and was asked to explain his reasoning ahead of this week’s tie with St Helens.
He said: “The two Kumuls being on the field at the same time is pretty exciting for a Leigh fan and certainly for me as coach.
“It probably won’t be that every week, but it will be most weeks and I’m looking forward to how they build that combination.
“Getting Edwin away from that 9 position and running the ball a bit more in open space – he loves that, it suits him.
“He’s a dangerous player, he’s very strong, skilful he plays eyes up rugby which is what we’re all about and I think once we build that combination – that may take half a season to get right – when that comes right I think we’ll be pretty lethal through the middle.”
