In the battle between age and skill, what is more important? If you’re good enough, should your age matter? Manly Sea Eagles’ young gun William Hopoate is the latest player to have his readiness for representative rugby league questioned because he is only 18 years-old.
The utility back, who has managed to give his surname a fresh slate, has been mentioned as a possible State of Origin bolter for New South Wales after an amazing start to the 2011 season.
The only thing counting against him, it seems, is the fact that on his birth certificate it says he was born in 1992.
Some would like to see the Manly Cove junior play another season before being given the chance in sky-blue. Others, hungry for success, believe his form warrants a call-up.
So what matters more?
Hopoate plays against men week-in-and-week-out. Some of those men will be running out for Queensland shortly.
Is it beyond a player of Hopoate’s experience to confront a team full of skillful players all at once as opposed to maybe 2 or 3 at a time?
History shows this argument is flawed.
Israel Folau was the youngest ever player to pull on a green and gold jumper when he made his debut for Australia aged 18 years and 194 days against New Zealand in 2007. That was after his first season in the NRL.
He went on to play for Queensland the following year. He wasn’t old enough, but he was certainly good enough.
English Premier League club Liverpool are seeing the fruit of giving youth a chance to shine.
18 year-old right back John Flanagan has fitted in to the first team with ease since making his debut while 17-year-old Jack Robinson has done the same at left back.
Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar was just 16-years-old when he made his test debut. He proceeded to score 16-test hundreds before he turned 25.
In 2001, Lleyton Hewitt was the best tennis player in the world at the tender age of 20 while Maria Sharapova won Wimbledon at 17 and claimed two more Grand Slams before she was 21.
Ian Thorpe was 14 when he represented Australia at the World Swimming Championships in Perth in 1998. He won the 400m freestyle and his career turned out to be pretty good from that point on.
These are just a few people that prove age is irrelevant.
OK, Thorpe, Hewitt, Sharapova, Flanagan and Robinson will never throw themselves into burly front-rowers, but it shows their skill level was better than people older than them.
Hopoate is currently one of the best players in the NRL. The question for Blues coach Ricky Stuart is: Can you afford not to pick him?
Everyone will be mindful of exposing a player like Hopoate to the Origin arena too early, but shouldn’t he be given the chance to fail?
Who knows, he may just prove to everyone that he’s up to it.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Inglis and Folau weren't in the QLD side in their first season. Forget how many games he's played is he the best fullback, the top two wingers or the top two centres in NSW. No, no and no. At best he's 5th or 6th in line for each position. At best. Qld have a great record for blooding new players but if you look at their history they typically wait until an opportunity becomes available rather than dropping an established player for a young bloke. Hoppa has started the season well and looks to be a great player of the future...but 9 grade games doesn't make an Origin player...maybe it's indicative of how desperate we are that we're throwing up guys like this as contenders.
yewonk
Guest
put him on the bench he has been training with the eagles since he was fifteen. this guy is the chosen one.
Davo
Guest
Hoppa isnt good enough. Yet. You say he plays against men "week-in week-out" and he's been doing that for exactly how long ? 7 weeks plus a few last year. Maybe the fourth or fifth best option for NSW at fullback at present. Agree he's started the season fantastically but lets not get carried away.
bilbo
Guest
Gotta be Hayne - he is like a Queenslander in that he rises to the origin occasion, even if his club form is poor. He is the most creative player we have - and even if he has his off days he still needs to be in the side. Wingers should be Gordon and Morris - we need to start getting some continuity instead of dropping players from year to year. Uate is a strong candidate, but not to the level of Gordon and Morris yet. On that note, cant believe we are considering Young for hooker. Im a Dragons fan, but if there is really a better hooker north of the Tweed than Robbie Farah, I will eat my hat.
bilbo
Guest
Folau was playing great for Melbourne in his first season, but missed out on Maroon selection. Selectors said he wasnt ready. Went on to be selected the next year, and from then on. Perhaps they knew that he may not be ready. Some players need time, or they can be mentally damaged. Benny Barba comes to mind. Justin Hodges is another.
Trent
Guest
I'm sorry but I have to disagree with The Barry. This is NSW problem wait until 50 first grade games. Thats 2 whole seasons, now sitting in my lounge chair 5 years ago I saw a young Greg Inglis rise and from the first game I watched I knew he was something special as I did for Falau who, correct me if i'm wrong, filled in for Inglis during the origin series. I have watched young Hopoate (mostly due to him being my sleeper in my fantasy team) and see the exact same thing, he is big and strong and comes from the right pedigree. NSW needs to make a change and needs someone on the wing who can fly high and is safe under the high ball. what other options do we have, I'll agree that we have some fast wingers but none you would say would be safe with Inglis running at you. Hopoate and Dugan both fit this mould and would be a must in my origin side. But lets face it Wingers and fullbacks are not really our issue are they
M1tch
Roar Guru
I'd definelty pick him infront of Gidley at fullback..but for me Gordon should be the Blues' number 1.
The Barry
Roar Guru
If they pick him at centre or wing he's playing out of position and therefore a liability. Would anyone really pick him at fullback ahead of Hayne, Dugan, Gidley or even Gordon based on 8 or 9 first grade games ? He's been good but not outstanding to the point he warrants Origin selection. Give him a taste of city / country this year if there's a spot for him - and given that most of the Aus backline will be QLDers it will be a big ask for him to even nail down a position in that game - and see if he's ready after 50 first grade games.
Ken
Guest
I don't think age is a big issue and I think he'd do a fine job but I probably wouldn't pick over the other options. Outside backs is not a problem area for NSW though and there's plenty of talented, more experienced players that are in front of him. If you drill down to what QLD has had over NSW in the last half decade it boils down to stable, experienced, more talented halves. There's no quick fix there though with the selectors chopping and changing between promising young guys and experienced oldies - all having their moments but none delivering a series win. With most of the oldies moving on, they need to pick the best guys available right now (Soward and Mullen for mine, but I know plenty would say Pearce is a better long term prospect) and hang with them.
Willy
Guest
He'll battle to be selected for City Origin won't he?
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
If you're good enough, you're old enough. Rugby league doesn't test the mental toughness of a young player as much as, say, Test match cricket. It's an instinctive game, especially for a back, and he shows all the skill, talent and instincts required to be a great. He's also got a touch of class. If there is a way to get him into the team, I'd pick him.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Uate and Hoppa on the wings, not too bad I reckon
Timnaik
Guest
Pick him. It can't get any worse for NSW. He IS good enough.