EDWIN Ipape has the potential to become Super League’s best hooker providing Leigh don’t suffer stage fright in their biggest game of the season on Sunday.

That’s the belief of head coach Adrian Lam as he looks to guide Centurions back into the top flight after just one season away.

Ipape, the newly crowned Betfred Championship player of the season, will be a key figure when Leigh host underdogs Batley Bulldogs in Sunday’s Million Pound Game kick-off 6.30pm) for a place in the top flight.

Craig Lingard’s side finished 16 points behind the League Leaders but defeated Barrow and then second placed Featherstone to reach the play-off final.

“Moving forward and if we get the job done on Sunday, Edwin has the potential to be the best nine in Super League,” confirmed Lam, aiming to shrug off any personal disappointment at missing out on the coaching accolade to Barrow’s Paul Crarey.

“And potentially over the next three years the best player in Super league in my opinion.

“He has been outstanding and destroyed teams at different times. I am glad I gave him an opportunity.

“I watched him coming through as a junior and I always wanted to coach him. He is only going to get better.”

Leigh are massive odds on favourites to beat Batley for a third and final time in 2022. When they met three weeks ago, Centurions triumphed 64-6 and booked their place in the final with a 70-10 victory over York last Sunday.

Former Wigan boss Lam, however, insists Leigh are taking nothing for granted. “I have been around rugby league for 40 years and I have seen upsets every week,” he said.

“If you get caught up in that negative vibe thing you can find yourself in a bit of a hole.

“Batley have earned the right to be here and we will give them the respect they deserve.

“The key for us this weekend is ourselves as much as Batley. The difference between our best and worst performances this season has been very minimal.

“We have had people in key positions who have been driving us. So, we have got to make sure we keep the routine.”

Leigh will be at full strength to face the Bulldogs and the ability to keep his top performers fit all season has been a major factor for Lam.

“I know some people have been critical about us having the best players,” he said. “But what do you want us to do?

“We had to build a team in December with players that weren't contracted anywhere else.

“And it was a tough job to get the squad together, bond them all and then to find some form.

“If we get through this and get what we deserve it will be a real shot in the arm for the town and the owner, Derek Beaumont.”