News Bulldogs join Raiders as contenders to sign Albert Hopoate

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Spoonman84

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Brotherly love at Canterbury or the chance to join a premiership force in Canberra is the decision facing rising star Albert Hopoate.

The Bulldogs have emerged as contenders for the younger brother of Canterbury fullback Will Hopoate with the teenager rated “the best Hopoate yet” by members of his famous football family.


NRL young gun Albert Hopoate was bizarrely let go by Manly after the 2020 season, despite being called the most talented Hopoate. Picture: NRL Photos.

NRL young gun Albert Hopoate was bizarrely let go by Manly after the 2020 season, despite being called the most talented Hopoate. Picture: NRL Photos.

Albert, 19, is an exciting fullback, wing or centre, who has been cut by junior club Manly after making his NRL debut in 2020 and featuring in five first-grade games.

The teenage son of former Sea Eagles headline act John Hopoate is being targeted by the Dogs in a bid to replenish their backline in 2021.

Earlier this year, Jamil Hopoate, who played NRL this season with the Broncos boldly declared Albert boasted the most amount of talent of any Hopoate

Albert has also met with the Raiders and in touring the club’s facilities is believed to have been blown-away by their new high-performance training centre.

Albert Hopoate (right) comes up against brother Will (left) in Round 18 2020. Picture: NRL Photos.

Albert Hopoate (right) comes up against brother Will (left) in Round 18 2020. Picture: NRL Photos.

Knowing that the Bulldogs are on a path of rebuilding under new coach Trent Barrett, the chance for an NRL start at the Raiders — a club that will contest for the 2021 title — is a major lure for the former NSW under-16’s star.

The Sea Eagles mysteriously opted to cut Hopoate after the emerging star made his NRL debut for the club last season amid an injury crisis.


The Sea Eagles also loaned Hopoate out to the New Zealand Warriors during their troubled 2020 season.

Hopoate may have to choose between joining his brother at the Bulldogs or a premiership contender at the Raiders Picture: NRL Photos.

Hopoate may have to choose between joining his brother at the Bulldogs or a premiership contender at the Raiders Picture: NRL Photos.
Both the Raiders and Bulldogs were hopeful of learning if they had been successful in securing Hopoate within the next 24 to 48-hours.

Hopoate suffered two ACL injuries in the space of 12 months and went on to play every other game in the season after making his debut for the Sea Eagles in round 16.

 

CrittaMagic69

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I barely even noticed him play, Harper was miles better, even that Mansour/Teddy lookalike was better.
 

Bulldogz82

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Lol that photo sums up our defence this season bunch of fukn shirt grabbers..would love to see him at the dogs wouldn’t cost too much either..anyone know why manly let him go?
Hahahaha what a mad pic to show aye, who the fuk still arm grabs like that
 

Kempsey Dog

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Recommended him ages ago but I've gone off him with how he played at the ass end of last year. Coupled with the fact it's almost time to part ways with Hoppa and promote one of our youngsters in Schoupp if we are going to potentially spend money on JAC and hopefully a good 9. Best option would be to take him as a 1 year deal to play outside Will and see where that takes us.
 

B-Train

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He'd cost nothing and was a gun junior. But he's also coming off two torn ACLs, probably still has his mission to come and looked pretty average and well off the pace in FG with Manly. So it's a tricky one... Canberra seem to be the frontrunners for him at this point anyway.
 

S.B.W_Jnr

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He's young and has potential would be a good buy at the right price
 

Weak Gutted Dog

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I hope we get him. Hoppa senior has been great for us. He is not a world beater but he puts in every week. Very consistent. That’s the kind of player you use to go along with a quality spine.
Just ask melb storm
 

Mitch Connor

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Rising star Albert Hopoate has put aside brotherly love to join a premiership force in the Canberra Raiders on a cut-price deal.

The Bulldogs had emerged as contenders for the younger brother of Canterbury fullback Will Hopoate with the Manly junior rated “the best Hopoate yet” by members of his famous football family.

However, the exciting fullback, wing or centre has agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth under $100,000 to move to the nation’s capital under coach Ricky Stuart.

“I really like that Albert has taken the challenging decision over the more familiar decision to play at the same club as his brother,’’ Stuart told News Corp.

“He’s a very talented football player and I’m looking forward to having him.’’

Albert, 19, had been let go by junior club Manly after making his NRL debut in 2020 and featuring in five first-grade games.

The teenage son of former Sea Eagles headline act John Hopoate will fight for a starting NRL berth at the Raiders following the departure of Nick Cotric, Michael Oldfield and a shoulder injury that may stop captain Jarrod Croker from beginning the 2021 season.

Earlier this year, older sibling Jamil Hopoate, who played NRL this season with the Broncos boldly declared Albert boasted the most amount of talent of any Hopoate

Albert met with the Raiders last Monday and in touring the club’s facilities, it’s believed he was been blown-away by their new high-performance training centre.

The Sea Eagles mysteriously opted to let Hopoate go after the emerging star made his NRL debut for the club last season amid an injury crisis.

The Sea Eagles also loaned Hopoate out to the New Zealand Warriors during their troubled 2020 season.

Albert’s manager Tyran Smith informed the Raiders of his client’s decision on Saturday afternoon.

Hopoate suffered two ACL injuries in the space of 12 months and went on to play every other game in the season after making his debut for the Sea Eagles in round 16.
 

TABOO

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Fmd less thank $100k easily worth the gamble.
 
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