Edwin Ipape headlines a number of key changes to the Kumuls side that will take on Fiji Bati this weekend. Edwin was passionate during an interview and says he never takes the Kumuls jumper for granted.
“Every time I wear the Kumuls Jersey I do not take it for granted and I play to the best of my ability to get the win,” Edwin Ipape said.
He has the passion for the Kumuls and remembers always longing to be in that jumper as a young Papua New Guinean playing backyard footy.
“It means everything as a young man growing up I always dreamed of being a Kumul it is the pinnacle of Papua New Guinea rugby league. I always picked up the ball and commentated myself running a play.
“I remember watching all the Kumuls legends during my time, Larsen Marabe, Dion Aiye and the list goes on. When Kumuls lose I get very disappointed but we love the Kumuls, and we strive to produce the best.”
Justin Holbrook, PNG Kumuls Coach has confirmed that Ipape will be the starting hooker against the Fiji Bati. This pushes Judah Rimbu to the bench and Liam Horne to the extended bench. Edwin forms a very strong spine, with Lachlan Lam and Kyle Laybutt in the halves and Alex Johnston at fullback. The Kumuls spine will be of great importance in keeping the game in control, against a Fiji side that has a NRL star-studded backline and a forward pack that looks to dominate up the middle.
Ipapes team mate at Leigh Leopards Lachlan Lam will be instrumental with Edwin to rekindle their collaboration at their club.
“We all know what Lachlan Lam is like when he puts on the Kumuls Jersey. He is a very competitive young man when he puts on the jersey,” Ipape said.
The inclusion of Rhys Martin, Wellington Albert, and Kevin Appo has caused changes to the side. With Nixon Putt, Junior Rop and Liam Horn moved to the extended bench.
Benji Kot will replace Rodrick Tai at center; Tai has suffered a knee injury and has been sidelined. While Mekenzie Yei is also with injury.
Despite Fiji boasting a heavier pack and a NRL star studded line up in the backs, PNG continues to excel at home with a more that rousing home crowd. No doubt PNG will lift in their performance.
Wellington Albert is coming off a Betfred Championship win with the London Broncos and is not going to take the Fijians lightly. He is pumped and was very feisty and upbeat at training on Monday. He acknowledged the long standing Melanesian rivalry in rugby league. Adding that PNG has the size and tenacity to match the Fijians.
“Fijians are big and strong, same as the Kumuls. They have more NRL based players unlike us. They got big boys and we also have big boys,” Albert said with smile.
Coach Justin Holbrook says he will be re-assessing the team after the game and picking the best team for the final.
“Fiji is really strong on the outside backs, they got speed. We played very well against the Cook Islanders this time around. We just need to make sure we get our game right. The combinations are coming out well. Kyle and Lam in the halves combination doing well. Hope everyone can get behind us this Sunday in front of a sellout crowd,” Holbrook said.