Edwin Ipape

Kurai Foundation signed a two-month agreement with Ipape who will be the brand ambassador to drive the foundation’s peace program.

The Kurai Foundation Inc. has worked to bring peace and end tribal fights among warring tribal war groups in Enga for the past 12 months. This year the foundation intends to extend the program to Hela. 

Ipape will be engaged using media to bring the message of peace to the people of Enga and Hela.

CEO of the foundation Ghandi Katao explained why they chose Ipape to be their brand ambassador.

The Leopards will play in their first Challenge Cup final in over 50 years this weekend, and there will be a heavy PNG representation in their group.

Lam himself hails from the country, while the likes of Edwin Ipape and Lachlan Lam have also represented the Kumuls on the international stage.

But they could now represent their club side in Papua New Guinea too, with Leopards owner Derek Beaumont enthused about the prospect of a tour to the country which could involve at least one fixture.

Papua New Guinea international hooker Ipape, 25, has been in outstanding form for the Centurions this season since arriving in February, earning Heritage Number HN#1536 and scoring six tries in 14 games.

He capped a stand-out performance by winning the Ray French Trophy as Man of the Match in Leigh Centurions’ victory in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final at Tottenham Hotspur last month.

The win was a first final victory in London for Leigh since they were victorious in the 1971 Challenge Cup final.

The sides were level at half-time as Craig Hall kicked three goals and got a try for Rovers, while Inu and Ben Reynolds went over for Leigh.
Leigh started the second period well as Blake Ferguson and Edwin Ipape's tries gave them breathing space at 24-12.

Ipape scored a double which contributed to Leigh's 52-0 whitewash over Batley Bulldogs in their Monday night clash.

Centurions scoring spree started nice and early when former NRL star Krisnan Inu crossed with only 4 minutes into the match and by halftime Batley Bulldogs 0 Leigh Centurions 28.

The slaughter continued in the 2nd half forcing the Bulldogs into submission as the power and class of Lam’s side crossed for nine unanswered tries, with centre Krisnan Inu converting eight.

Ipape has joined the Centurions from the Queensland Cup side PNG Hunters.

The Leigh Centurion fans are excited to see for the first PNG’s International and former Hunters livewire Edwin Ipape in action for their beloved club alongside fellow PNGean Nene McDonald.

Ipape has not played footy since breaking ties with the Hunters during preseason early this year. However since signing up with the Adrian Lam coached side Ipape has been working hard to get himself fit and ready to relaunch his rollercoaster career.

Ipape has joined the Centurions from Queensland Cup side PNG Hunters. He had trials with NRL club Manly Sea Eagles in 2020 but they were ended by the coronavirus pandemic.

The hooker arrived in the country earlier this week and is named in Lam’s squad to face York on Sunday

“I’ve no hesitation to pick him. If we can get him happy off the field here and help him settle in comfortably then I think Championship are going to enjoy the way he plays.

Nima will wear the No.5 red, black and gold jersey while Ipape will don the No. 6 national jumper in front of his home crowd.

Fellow debutants Dilbert Isaac and Zev John will come off the interchange bench with Woods Kawage as the 18th man.

Coach Michael Marum announced the team after yesterday’s training session in Port Moresby.

The team is:

1. David MEAD - Captain

2. Junior RAU

3. Justin OLAM

4. Nene MACDONALD

5. Brendon NIMA

6. Edwin IPAPE

7. Watson BOAS

8. Enock MAKI

9. Tom BUTTERFIELD