NRL's kick-blocker crackdown changes the game - but the question is do we want that?
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
Rising rugby league star Jamil Hopoate, the younger brother of NSW Origin representative Will Hopoate, has been sacked by Parramatta who were unhappy with his off-field behaviour.
Hopoate, 18, was axed on Tuesday after a club investigation found he’d contravened instructions not to leave the official NRL rookies camp in Sydney, which was designed to educate the game’s young stars on their responsibilities.
The club said he also did not attend formal presentations scheduled at the camp.
It means he will not be able to play alongside his brother, former Manly star Will Hopoate, who will join the Eels on a lucrative deal in 2014 after he completes a two-year Mormon mission which has taken him away from the NRL.
Jamil Hopoate last month had his driver’s licence suspended for six months for mid-range drink-driving.
The son of former Manly and Wests Tigers bad boy John Hopoate, he is a highly-rated back-rower and Eels chief executive Ken Stephens admitted losing such a talent was disappointing.
“While the club regrets losing such a talented player, the club has made it very clear that we expect high standards of behaviour across all grades,” Stephens said.
“All who play for the Parramatta Eels need to understand that we are focused on and committed to recruiting players who put the team first.
“We are committed to educating our players and fostering a culture that exemplifies the NRL’s core values of respect, excellence, inclusiveness, courage and teamwork.
“… Unfortunately Jamil has failed to respond to ongoing support, tutoring and mentoring from our dedicated coaching staff as well as our welfare and education department.”
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NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
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