DONCASTER fans got the happy New Year they were hoping for with news that Edene Gebbie is staying put – with a Championship play-off place in his sights.
The popular Papua New Guinean winger who scorched in for 26 tries in his 22 outings as Doncaster finished eighth in the old-style second tier last season has signed a two-year contract extension.
The 30-year-old, who has been in the systems of both South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers, was originally brought to the UK by Whitehaven, for whom he crossed ten times in 18 games in 2024.
Before that Gebbie played for PNG Hunters, Brisbane-based Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup, Sydney side Western Suburbs Magpies in the New South Wales Cup and Port Moresby Vipers in the PNG domestic competition.
The man from the mountainous town of Sogeri in the east of the country has played three times at international for the Kumuls, including their 28-10 win over Great Britain at Port Moresby in November 2019.
Gebbie, also comfortable at fullback and in the centres, was selected by PNG for the 2022 World Cup in England but had to withdraw from the squad due to a groin injury.
“Last year I came in and I was struggling at first, but things changed and I did well, so they have asked me to come back, and I am happy to be here,” he said.
“I have also been happy to see some more good players coming in and I think we can do well this season. I think we will make the finals this year.”
Additions include fullback Tom Holmes from Bradford Bulls, halfback Cory Aston from Sheffield Eagles and hooker Connor Jones from Featherstone Rovers.
Coach Richard Horne said: “We’re delighted to have Gebbie back with us.
“He made a massive impact last season, particularly with his try scoring, and we think he can produce even more this year with the players we’ve added to the group.
“He’s an exciting player and it’s a great bit of business for us to keep him with us in the longer term.”