Albert hopoate cleared by specialist

[Terry Zarsoff]

Yes, there house is a converted primary school.

On a serious note, do any of the ‘Bertie Hoppa is leaving for Belmore’ gang understand that you’re merely feeding the media speculation, that the likes of Rothler and Weidfield turn from Chinese whispers into full blown ‘facts’?

 

[The better Robbo]

How many on here that want to keep him have actually seen any more than a few highlights against teenagers? I mean, he goes ok but he is a kid coming off 2 knee recos, has never played NSW cup and from what I have seen of him he is not a fullback, he is short 1.8m I believe, not as fast as people think and has no passing game. To me he is just a bit stronger running version of Funa but probably not as fast. If he wants to go, let him go. Sign Johnson or Saab and move on. I'm not worried either way.

 

[johnperi01]

You can say they are highlights against kids, but how many kids have you seen score 100 metre tries and beating 6 or 7 players to boot. Was also in the NSW origin team with Bradman Best and created a miracle try to win the game. Obviously after 2 knee operations his future is clouded, but surely it would be nice to see what he’s got playing for us and not against us.

 

[Shoe1]

How many on here that want to keep him have actually seen any more than a few highlights against teenagers? I mean, he goes ok but he is a kid coming off 2 knee recos, has never played NSW cup and from what I have seen of him he is not a fullback, he is short 1.8m I believe, not as fast as people think and has no passing game. To me he is just a bit stronger running version of Funa but probably not as fast. If he wants to go, let him go. Sign Johnson or Saab and move on. I'm not worried either way.

Agree, we should keep him for the right price. But if the dogs want to go overs for an untried promising junior then we shouldn’t match it.

 

[40 nil]

How many on here that want to keep him

It's true he hasn't played senior football yet, having been held back by injuries and Covid 19. However, at least four of his age peers are playing NRL & going very well - Nui & Coates (Broncos), Tabuai-Fidow (Cowboys) and Best (Knights). If his fitness is okay, there is no reason why Albert shouldn't be similarly successful.

 

[Simonmyers11]

You can say they are highlights against kids, but how many kids have you seen score 100 metre tries and beating 6 or 7 players to boot. Was also in the NSW origin team with Bradman Best and created a miracle try to win the game. Obviously after 2 knee operations his future is clouded, but surely it would be nice to see what he’s got playing for us and not against us.

Are you kidding, could of said the same about Tom when he destroyed opposition in the u20s.

I have see him play a few times and he is the best of the hoppas by far. Has genuine genetics for explosive running, leg drive, palm and will develop even more and grow into his body. Huge wraps on him obviously but I think he will be a gun. Think he will be like a young Tafua when he first started almost 10 years ago. He was built, but fast and was a tackle breaking machine

 

[40 years an eagle]

We have no idea of the goings-on behind the scenes and it has been a a bit strange that Des has not given him a go.
I said months ago that maybe he is not in our future plans because of him stating he wanted to secure a FG spot then take his Mormon mission like his brother/idol did...and we know how Will's mission turned out.
Who knows what is going on, but i'm sure Des does.

 

[Dion Johnson]

How many on here that want to keep him have actually seen any more than a few highlights against teenagers? I mean, he goes ok but he is a kid coming off 2 knee recos, has never played NSW cup and from what I have seen of him he is not a fullback, he is short 1.8m I believe, not as fast as people think and has no passing game. To me he is just a bit stronger running version of Funa but probably not as fast. If he wants to go, let him go. Sign Johnson or Saab and move on. I'm not worried either way.

There is some doubt on the knee for sure.

The body shape and size is not a concern for me, it’s his skill that has stood out and each time I have seen him play, great body strength to bust tackles. Outside of Suli and Turbo in our current backline the tackle breaks are a minimum, Albert can defend and attack exceptionally well.

If the rabbits were going to pay Joseph Suaalii 500K a season only to get by the ARU for 900K a season who knows what Alberts worth.

For our squad the 250K may not be enough to match other clubs for his signature, I would rather retain Albert then sign Johnston or Saab. One of the reasons the rabbits let Johnston go as they were looking to the future, our club have the same philosophy with recruiting / retaining.

Lots of work to get done by the club for the 2021 squad and beyond with a balance of youth and experience.

 

[Sheikheagle]

Wow, he plays second row? I saw him on the sideline the other week and the kid is a stick figure...

yep there have been some manly fans calling for his inclusion in the NRL this year. However, realistically he is a long way off may not be until 2022.

 

[Shoe1]

Burbo looks big to me, tall but still hefty

 

[lsz]

It is a massive task to play your debut game against men coming off two knee reco's...

 

[KNUCKLES]

there is another one or two coming through anyway right? Where is Sione aka John Junior?

Playing for bears in the presidents cup i believe

 

[Will on the hill]

It's true he hasn't played senior football yet, having been held back by injuries and Covid 19. However, at least four of his age peers are playing NRL & going very well - Nui & Coates (Broncos), Tabuai-Fidow (Cowboys) and Best (Knights). If his fitness is okay, there is no reason why Albert shouldn't be similarly successful.

All three you mentioned have been rocks and diamonds since entering first grade, just as likely to go missing as they are to do something special. Des prefers known quantities.

 

[master blaster]

I always thought he would want to go and join Will. Thing is, we always train these Hoppa,s up and look after them and then they screw us and go to another club. Doesnt give us much hope for the rest of the clan coming through out ranks

 

[jbb/james]

In a salary cap you can only put so much into potential. brisbane right now are in a ****show they built themselves
Paid overs for stars that dont return
Then have heaps of potential they dont want to lose and have to pay them.

Manly could find themselves in similar situation if they have to throw the bank at hoppa and schuster without adjusting the top end

The name hopoate is synonymous with manly , but it counts for little. I know eventually one hoppa will be a superstar but i wouldnt do anything special to keep him. Its never a good vibe

 

[40 years an eagle]

My gut told me months ago he would be cut loose.

 

[Sheikheagle]

Burbo looks big to me, tall but still hefty

tall but at this stage not hefty. He is more Toms body shape but hasn’t filled out yet. Will be a big boy eventually.

 

[mave]

I would be happy if Burbo has two working hamstrings at this stage.

 

[Dee Why Eagle]

I would be happy if Burbo has two working hamstrings at this stage.

Maybe he could donate one...
Use him for spare parts!

 

[Sheikheagle]

If the news is true about Tom. I would be looking to bring Hoppa in even if he starts on a wing. We are not going to make the 8 and challenge for the comp with Elliot at Fullback.