Church backs Ipape

By PARKER TAMBUA
AUSTRALIAN rugby league’s new six-again rule will suit Papua New Guinea Kumul Edwin Ipape and his SP Hunters teammates in the Intrust Super Cup (ISC) next season, says coach Matthew Church.
He said yesterday that the former Wynnum Manly Seagull’s inclusion in the Hunters squad was crucial, given his nippy play from dummy half.
“I was really excited when Edwin chose to join us,” the Australian said of the 21-year-old utility at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
“We all saw what he did in the test against Great Britain last year, what he did at the stroke of halftime was amazing.
“I think the new rule will suit some of his skills.
“I have really enjoyed getting to know him.
“I think there were some offers on the table for him with clubs overseas, similar to what he did with Manly (on a train-and-trial basis) recently.
“But for us, relocating to Queensland for next season is only going to benefit his career and our programme.”
Church said he was looking to play Ipape and fellow Kumul Wartovo Puara Jr in the starting side and from the bench respectively next season.
He said having the two international rakes would boost the attack of the 2017 champions.
Meanwhile, Church said new rule would suit PNG players as they were naturally fast.
“Speed was one thing I was looking out for at the Digicel Cup level,” the former Sunshine Coast Falcons assistant coach said.
“Although I know that ISC is played at a different level, it’s about recruiting players who have the leg speed to play over the advantage line.
“One advantage of the new rule is that it plays into what we are really good at.
“We have a lot of intent, we are naturally fast, evasive and hard to handle one-on-one.
“So if there’s one of those new rules that will suit us, this is the one.
“It’s about us taking advantage and me giving directions to pull it off.”
The six-again rule is the restarting of the tackle count when the defending team commits a ruck infringement