Leigh Leopards' star player, Edwin Ipape, has been given a double retention boost as the NRL club PNG Chiefs' stance on signing him has been made clear. The Chiefs' General Manager, Michael Chammas, has stated that the club will not sign Ipape, citing the length of his contract with the Leopards. This decision is a significant boost for the Leopards, who are set to lose several key players at the end of the season.
Ipape signed a new deal last year that ties him to the Leopards until the end of the 2031 season, and Chammas has emphasized the importance of respecting this commitment. "Everyone keeps asking us about Edwin Ipape," he said. "The reality is that Edwin Ipape signed a six-year deal to stay at Leigh and, as far as has been reported, there is no NRL get-out clause for him, so we've got to respect his position there."
This stance from the Chiefs is particularly interesting given the club's recent signings and appointment of Hull KR boss Willie Peters as their head coach. The Chiefs have made four signings and are set to begin playing in the NRL in 2028. The fact that they are not pursuing Ipape, despite his obvious talent, suggests that they are focusing on building a team around a different set of players.
In my opinion, this decision by the Chiefs is a strategic move. By not signing Ipape, they are sending a message to other potential signings that they are committed to a long-term vision and are not just looking for quick fixes. This approach could help them build a strong foundation for their NRL debut.
However, this decision also raises questions about the future of Ipape and the Leopards. With Ipape tied to the club until 2031, the Leopards may need to find other ways to strengthen their squad. This could involve looking for new signings or focusing on developing their existing players.
One player who could become an available option for the Chiefs is half-back Lachlan Lam, who is contracted for another year at Leigh. Chammas has acknowledged the possibility of Lam joining the Chiefs, but has also emphasized the importance of respecting the rules around player contracts.
In my view, the Chiefs' decision not to sign Ipape is a bold move that could pay off in the long run. By focusing on building a strong foundation, they may be able to establish themselves as a competitive NRL club. However, this decision also raises questions about the future of Ipape and the Leopards, and it will be interesting to see how they adapt to this new situation.
