Ipape to decide on offers

By PARKER TAMBUA
PAPUA New Guinea international and Lae Tigers Edwin Ipape says he is weighing up whether to remain in the Digicel Cup or head overseas to continue his rugby league career.
The utility and his Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side finished the Digicel Cup season as runners-up after losing 14-16 to the Hela Wigmen in the grand final in Port Moresby on Sunday.
The 21-year-old told The National that he had received offers to play overseas but was in no rush to make a decision on his playing future.
“Opportunities are popping up but I’ll wait and make a decision on what is best for me,” said Ipape, who has so far played three tests and two invitational matches.
“I am satisfied that I completed the Digicel Cup season this year.
“I will assess those offers in the coming months and decide what direction to take.”
Ipape was signed by the Manly Sea Eagles on a train-and-trial contract earlier this year and was part of the side that competed in the National Rugby League Nines.
He was then contracted to Sea Eagles’ Canterbury Cup (New South Wales Cup) side but was later released when the second-tier competition was cancelled amid the Covid-19 situation in Australia.
Meanwhile, Ipape — who featured at last year’s Rugby League Nines World Cup in Australia — said he was proud of his teammates despite the Tigers failing to retain the Digicel Cup title.
“We played well all season,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t the result we wanted in the grand final but congratulations to the Wigmen.”
The Tigers made a dream start to the season, winning nine matches in a row before succumbing to two-straight losses to round out the regular season.