Whitehaven Rugby League have announced the signing of Papa New Guinean International Edene Gebbie on a 12-month deal, subject to international clearance. 

The utility back has represented his country at full back, wing and centre, including starting on the wing in his country’s famous win over Great Britain back in 2019.

Gebbie has previously played with South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers in Australia’s NRL competition. He has represented Townsville Blackhawks in the cup in 2022 and was named in the Kumuls squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England at the end of that season, however he had to withdraw due to a groin injury after scoring against Australia and Fiji prior to the tournament’s start.

Haven head coach Jonty Gorley had been chasing the PNG flyer for a number of seasons but is ecstatic to secure his signature, saying: “This is the second off-season that we've tried to get Edene to Whitehaven, we tried this time last year but the time wasn't right for him.

"This time Edene had agreed to come to us and to say I'm excited is an understatement.

"We've got ourselves another PNG international who has proved himself to be a real handful whoever he comes up against. He can play full back, wing and centre and has played these positions for PNG.

"If he can replicate the form that got him to play for his country and play to his potential we could have a real gem on our hands and I'm sure that when he adapts to playing in the UK, with his speed and strength, he will potentially be one of best players in the comp.

"I can't wait to see what he can do for us!”