Manly face possible sanction from the NRL over John Hopoate after the controversial rugby league figure coached the Sea Eagles’ SG Ball side last weekend against the wishes of the game’s governing body.
Hopoate was refused registration by the NRL last year after he wasn’t deemed a fit and proper person to be involved with the game, following a litany of off-field trouble.
The 42-year-old’s side was thumped 42-18 by Newcastle on Saturday at Brookvale Oval. But worst might still be to come for the Sea Eagles, with the club facing a possible breach notice over Hopoate’s involvement and a significant fine. That could come as soon as Friday.
The matter is understood to be under investigation by the head of the NRL’s integrity unit Nick Weeks.
Hopoate’s involvement with the SG Ball side had been okayed by the NSWRL, the elite under-18s competition’s governing body.
“It is our position that John Hopoate has fulfilled the criteria to be an SG Ball coach,” NSWRL boss Dave Trodden told AAP on Thursday.
Those criteria include earning his relevant coaching certificate and acquiring a Working With Children Check.
The two league bodies have been at loggerheads since November over the issue.
The NRL’s position is that officials of every NRL club have to be registered with the league and, as Hopoate has not been granted registration, he is ineligible to be involved in an official capacity with the Sea Eagles.
“The NRL has been in talks with Manly about the matter for some time and those talks are ongoing,” a NRL spokesman told AAP.
Manly could not be reached for comment.
Hopoate, who represented Manly, Wests Tigers and Northern Eagles, courted controversy throughout a 13-year, 209-game first-grade career, during which he represented Australia, NSW and Tonga.
The 41-year-old was finally outed from rugby league after he copped a 17-match ban for a 2005 tackle on Keith Galloway. That came after a 12-match ban in 2001 for poking opposition players up the backside.
Hopoate served a total of 45 weeks on the sidelines – a NRL record.
In 2014, Hopoate’s conduct was the subject of a Junior Manly Rugby League investigation after allegedly abusing the referee of an under-10s fixture.
In an interview with AAP, shortly after he was appointed as new Manly coach last year, Trent Barrett acknowledged Hopoate had made mistakes, but praised him as a good person who had a lot to contribute to the club.
“He has a lot to offer as a coach; not a lot of people probably know the real John Hopoate,” Barrett said.
“He is a very generous person, he is a very honest person and I know he does a terrific job with those kids.
“He is more than welcome at our football club.”
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Hoppa and his wife Brenda have successfully raised 8 children. The entire SG Ball side, and their parents respect John. Reportedly he's been doing a great job, and the big-wigs at Manly think like-wise. Hopoate needed to earn money to support his large family after his NRL career was cut short. His lack of skills led to work as paid muscle in Kings Cross under the guise of marshal for the responsible service of alcohol. He was nothing more than a competent fighter who attempted to keep the peace for patrons whilst people let their hair down. If the police have other information other than just the legal working association with folks who ran bars and strip-clubs, then they should make it publicly known and press charges. If they can't or won't then it is merely hearsay.
northerner
Guest
I understand what you're saying, and there seems to be some dispute about whether the NRL has jurisdiction over who works for Manly or not. That's not really my point. My point is that Hopoate is not my idea of a good mentor for teenage kids.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
The issue is who has jurisdiction here. It has nothing to do with the NRL. The juniors come under the NSWRL. Personally, I think Hopoate is a goose and Manly on par with him but this has nothing to do with the NRL.
northerner
Guest
First, because he's got an ugly playing history and has had recent, admittedly minor, brushes with the law that suggest he's still the character he always was, and not a suitable mentor for impressionable kids. Second, because he's been linked with organized crime and no sporting team should be within a bull's roar of that.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Why? He has the appropriate coaching certificate and he has been passed by the police for working with children. I see it as a stupid selection but it is still nothing to do with the NRL.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I am not a fan of either Hopoate or Manly but this has nothing to do with the NRL. End of story.
northerner
Guest
Well, whose jurisdiction it is remains a matter of debate. What isn't debatable is that the NSWRL needs its head examining for allowing Hopoate to take on a coaching role with a bunch of kids. He shouldn't be within a country mile of the game.
Marco
Guest
How could anyone at Manly think that allowing him to coach children is a good idea ! Another kick in the teeth for the game with more bad news stories today. Strange decision by Manly.
Zoran
Guest
Crikey mate, youre not seeing the Hopoate that I see...are you sure u want your kids around this guy?
no one in particular
Roar Guru
because the NRL need another excuse to get involved. It has not their jurisdiction, no matter how much they want it to be
bozo
Guest
why, according to smh.com.au, did it take a senior police officer to tell the NRL it was not a smart choice?
turbodewd
Guest
Soft. The bloke is not a role model by any stretch. He tried to trip a female journo (caught on TV) in 2014. All class. Grub for life if u look at his record.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
It is the SG Ball side. This is run under the auspices of the NSWRL not the NRL. Hopoate has ticked the boxes for the NSWRL in that he has the appropriate coaching certificate and a police check for working with children. This should be the end of the story. What next, the NRL to have a say on who coaches the Leppington A Grade side or a say in who coaches West Wyalong reserve grade side.