LEIGH LEOPARDS star Edwin Ipape has been tipped to “walk into the NRL” following the creation of a new franchise, PNG Chiefs.

The Chiefs will take up their position in the NRL in 2028, becoming its 19th club after Perth Bears come in for the previous year.

Current PNG international boss Jason Demetriou has been linked with taking the number one role, although he is contracted to London Broncos for the next three seasons.

Demetriou is currently down under as head coach of the PNG national side, and Ipape has been impressing the Australian.

The Kumuls overcame the Cook Islands in the opening round of the Pacific Bowl, with Ipape playing a starring role.

And Demetriou waxed lyrical about the 26-year-old, who is under contract at Leigh until 2031.

“Edwin would walk into the NRL,” Demetriou told The Daily Telegraph.

“I’ve been with him the last few days and he is one of the sharpest and most elite hookers I’ve ever seen.”

When asked about the likes of Ipape and South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston being the poster boys of the Chiefs, Demetriou responded: “They’d be huge.

“Having some experience in county and understanding what it’s about will make recruitment a lot easier.”

Ipape joined Leigh at the beginning of 2022 from PNG Hunters, currently the top club side in the country who play in the Queensland Cup.

He has been pivotal in the Leopards’ rise from the Championship to Challenge Cup winners in 2023 and Super League play-off participants three seasons running.

Leigh head coach Adrian Lam is also considered to be one of the top contenders for the PNG Chiefs job, with his current deal expiring at the end of 2027.