LEIGH have secured star hooker Edwin Ipape on a new six-year deal, defying rumoured interest from the NRL.
The future of the Papua New Guinea international has been much speculated with his previous deal set to expire at the end of this year.
But Ipape – who joined the club ahead of the 2022 season and has won the 1895 Cup, Championship and Challenge Cup – will now be staying with the Leopards until 2031.
Explaining his decision to stay, Ipape told the BBC: “I thank Derek (Beaumont, owner) and Chris Chester (head of rugby) and the coaching staff for what they’ve done for the club and for me personally.
“They brought me here from PNG when nobody knew who I was. They gave me an opportunity to be who I am today.
“It shows the person that I am, the love and loyalty that I have to the club, to make the decision. It wasn’t a very hard one.
“The club is heading in the right direction, with what the owner has done and the people they have here.
“I think a lot of success is ahead and I’m pretty excited about that.”
Beaumont said: “It’s a club-record deal, both financially and in terms.
“Edwin is going to see out the next six years with us, until 2031. That’s massive for us and it’s massive for Super League.
“To have a highly sought-after player like Edwin commit for a long time – that will be ten years here which is unheard of for an overseas player to commit to one club.”