Leigh Centurions

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, 22, made his PNG international debut in 2019 and in his third game scored a sensational 65-metre try after breaking away from dummy half just before half-time in his side’s memorable 28-10 victory over Great Britain in Port Moresby.

More recently, he has been playing for PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup competition, after trials with NRL club Manly in 2020 were ended by the onset of the pandemic.

The nine-time Papua New Guinean international, who played for the Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, St George Illawarra Dragons, North Queensland Cowboys and 

The 27-year-old centre or winger has made almost 100 NRL appearances for Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, St George Illawarra Dragons, North Queensland Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks.

Macdonald has won nine caps for his native Papua New Guinea. He is hoping to play in his World Cup next autumn.

Macdonald said: “I’m super excited to have signed for Leigh Centurions and I can’t wait to get over and play.

“I’ve heard such a lot of good things about the club and the community and all the people I’ve spoken to at the club have been really friendly and welcoming.