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.”
Pot Stirrer
Guest
I agree mate. But what "right influences" are their if he is sacked for doing the wrong thing by 1 club and im sure if he is that good the eels would not have made that decision lightly, for him then to be picked up straight away by another club. Im not saying to crucify him but i think its a perfect case of sending a clear message that thier is a certain standard expected.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
You have to remember that the bloke is only 18. He will grow out of it, but you need to ensure the right influences are there to provide him direction.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Whats more sever than getting sacked
Pot Stirrer
Guest
I agree humphrey but you know i dont agree with it. We constanly complain and read about players behaviour but then what do we expect when they are basically getting away with what ever they want when they are juniors just becuase of thier abilities as footy players. If it was serious enough for the eels to sack him knowing it may have consequences with Will then i dont think its as minor as what the papers are reporting.
Bearfax
Guest
Now Oikee where would the newspapers go for stories if they didnt have their Hopoates, Williams, Masons, Folaus, Talos etc etc etc. Years ago you would have heard nothing seriously printed about these guys actions. Today they are on the front page if they J walk.
Bearfax
Guest
Business is business Potty. Though I dont think Manly can now afford him given their salary cap situation, you can bet the Dog, Rooster and Tiger vultures are circling.
Bearfax
Guest
Ho hum. Here come the sour grapes.. Purse your lips guys.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Not sure it will be disappointing if another club picks him up. If anything a new club would try and keep him on a tighter leash, there are plenty of ways to make that happen, either getting him under the roof of whatever housing system they have where he can be mentored properly, or having such severe penalties that he would be scared to sneeze. I think the first solution is the best one, as then you have more control over the friends he associates himself with, and have a mentor there to provide some direction. Hope the Dogs pick him up.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
It doesn't take much to make your team competitive, really they have some of the pieces, just need a decent hooker, and some forwards who can match up to other teams.
Valleys Diehard of Brunswick st
Guest
Golf clap to Parramatta. They will struggle for the next 2 years no doubt , but Sticky will have them sorted by '15. No one should crucify this young player. We all make mistakes, he will emerge as a better player through the experience. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
On the face of it a good decision by the club. Talent doesn't trump cohesion, as we've seen all too often in all too many sports. If he isn't destined to be a team man then I sure hope he has a decent golf swing or backhand.
oikee
Guest
The NRL is a business unlike the cut-throat business world. The NRL or all codes for that matter operate in a different manner. They still have to run as a business in the sense of the word, but the players who are part of that business have to understand that they must show Dedication and Loyalty to that business. The NRL will invest alot of money into those players wishing to be invovled in this great game. Much along the government and students with the Hex program. The governments spends alot of time and effort for those students to do well and get a education, if they let them down and dont achieve, the government still expects them to pay back for all the time put into those students. So rugby league is much like a commitment and investment for young players to acheive and do well. Much like students and education. Say no to 1 year deals, this is not commitment or loyalty to our sport, it is nonsense rubbish by players with no loyalty to any code, and mostly without a education as well. Young Hoppa has what i would say is the first taste of change for Rugby League, a business that expects dedication and loyalty because of the commitment and cost to these players at a very young age. It costs alot of money to train these guys, most from young ages of 15 to 19. The time for kids trying to use our game as some sort of joke is ending, i would say right here, right now. Loyalty is a two way street. You dont hand out money to get stepped on your toes in return. One less Hoppa in our code cant do any harm, he can always go to union now. They seem to take anyone.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
It will be disapointing if another club picks him up. The only way to teach these young blokes to be responsible is for there to be consequences. If he does go to another club then all one would have to do to get out of a contract is do the wrong thing. Doesnt make sense. Im not saying ban him for life but it was serious enough for the eels to sack him then no other club should pick him up for at least 12 months.
Bolo
Guest
We've come to expect this sub-standard behaviour from the North Shore. So no surprises there.
eagleJack
Guest
Interesting turn of events. Getting both Hopoate boys was a clincher for Will to take up the Parra offer (that and the ridiculous $ figure that was thrown at him). Both are more than welcome back at Manly in 2014!