CHRIS CHESTER has explained how and why Edwin Ipape signed a new six-year deal with Leigh Leopards, despite interest from the NRL.
Ipape has committed himself to the club until the end of the 2031 Super League season, marking a major retention move by the Leopards.
The Papua New Guinea international had been linked with a move to the NRL, but Leigh confirmed the six-year deal prior to their 24-10 win over Huddersfield Giants at the weekend.
And now Chester, who is Leigh’s head of rugby, has explained the ins and outs of securing the livewire hooker.
“I’d like to thank Derek for his continued investment in our club which secured such a fantastic player for the prime years of his playing career,” Chester told the Leopards’ club website.
“Edwin has been an unbelievable signing ever since he arrived and on his debut on a bitterly cold day at York we knew he had something special to offer.
“His progress as a player since has been unbelievable and for him to commit for such a long time is a massive boost for the club and town.
“Edwin is idolised by many people in the town and the welcome that he and his family received when they first arrived has been a big factor in him making this decision.
“We spoke to him at the end of last season about extending his contract. Edwin is a deep thinker, and he wanted to go home to PNG and decide in his head that it was the right thing to do.
“He is loved by the playing group, the staff and the town and that love was a big overriding reason for him committing to Leigh Leopards.”
Chester also reveals that Ipape missed the birth of his second child to be with the Leopards.
“His relationship with Derek, Adrian and myself is another big factor. We care about all our players and when Edwin came over here initially, he was on his own for some time before his family arrived. He even missed the birth of his second child such was his commitment to the team.
“That has now been rewarded with the contract that secures his future and will make him eligible for a testimonial when the contract finishes. For an overseas player to go into that kind of territory is unbelievable and for Edwin to have committed ten years to the club is a fantastic show of faith and loyalty towards Leigh Leopards.
“I’m really proud for Edwin and it’s a great story and a huge statement by our club.”
