Former NRL bad boy John Hopoate to coach Manly Sea Eagles' SG Ball Cup team
The most suspended player in NRL history, John Hopoate, who also pleaded guilty to punching and kicking a man outside a Kings Cross nightclub, has been appointed as coach of Manly's SG Ball Cup team next season.
Manly officials confirmed on Monday that Hopoate, 41, would take over the coaching reins in 2016 and mentor young footballers under the age of 18.
After a 14-year first-grade career with Manly, Wests Tigers and the Northern Eagles, as well as a stint in the boxing ring, it appears Hopoate has set his sights on full-time coaching career.
Now that Geoff Toovey has been dumped from the Manly coaching ranks despite having another year left on his contract, Hopoate will now work in some capacity with new Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett.
Hopoate gained global notoriety for being rubbed out for 12 matches after poking three North Queensland players in the anus during a game. He was also given a 17-match suspension, the sack from Manly, and ultimately retired from the game after a sickening hit on then Cronulla player Keith Galloway in 2005.
Hopoate is no stranger to controversy off the field and his new role will raise questions as to whether he is fit to coach and mentor young men who might one day develop into NRL players.
Four years ago Hopoate pleaded guilty to assaulting a man outside a Kings Cross nightclub in 2010 and was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and fined $1000.
He was working as a responsible service of alcohol officer when he was hit on the head with a belt buckle by a man who was refused entry. Hopoate then chased the man down the street before punching and kicking the victim while he was on the ground.
In 2013, Hopoate pleaded guilty to intimidating a parking officer who was about to write him a ticket. Hopoate allegedly told him to: "Take it off and if you ever come back here I will f---ing kill ya".
While the officer was writing Hopoate the ticket, he allegedly said: "Go ahead you little faggot. Touch my car and you'll f---kin' cop it".
Police claimed there was also CCTV footage of Hopoate moving his finger across his neck while the inspector drove off.
The NSW Origin representative's latest off-field drama involved 2UE reporter Leonie Ryan.
Hopoate tried to trip Ryan outside a Sydney court and when she confronted him again he repeatedly called her a "f---ing bitch".
Hopoate was in court supporting his son Jamil who had pleaded guilty to an assault in Manly.
Fairfax Media has contacted the NRL and NSWRL for comment about Hopoate's new position.
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