It's begun - Hoppa Petition
Morte on this - I have printed the article and also notice that MM was in Melbourne today.
Manly's row over sacked star's future
by Adam Hawse
A SPLIT has emerged at Manly over moves to reinstate sacked winger John Hopoate for the remainder of the season.
Club powerbrokers are at loggerheads on whether Hopoate-axed by the Sea Eagles last March- should be given another chance when his 17-match suspension for striking Cronulla's Keith Galloway expired next weekend.
Majority shareholder Max Delmege is a huge Hopoate fan, but certain board members remain staunchily opposed to his return.
Leading Manly figures attempted to distance themselves from the prospect of a Hopoate comeback but the NRL, which would have to endorse his re-registration is aware of developments.
"I've had one conversation with them and as I understand it they may come to us (with the Hopoate proposal), but they may not."NRL chief executive David Gallop said yesterday.
"They would have to make a decision first and then is they come to us we'll look at it."
If Hopoate's career is revived, the former international would be available for Manly's blockbuster clas with Brisbane at Brookvale.
Hopoate has not played since round two, when he was sent off against the Sharks, and has turned to a boxing career,
The 31-year-ols is yet to have his first fight, but is in peak condition and regularly trains with his former Manly team-mates.
Rumours of his return have intensified in recent week as Manly, once among the competition frontrunners, lost four consecutive matches.
Delmege is the man believed to be lobbying hard for Hopoate.
"I think he would bring a lot to any team, not just Manly." Delmege said.
"John Hopoate has that spark.
"I do know that John still trains with the boys and keeps himself fit.
"That's my personal opinion, but I don't interfere in those decisions"
Football manager Peter Peters said any decision on Hopoate would have to come from the football club board.
"There have been some whispers around for a long time."Peters said.
"At this stage there has been no official request to the board."
Meanwhile, Manly captain Michael Monaghan said there was nothing sinister in him watching today's Melbourne-Roosters game in a Storm corporate box at Olympic Park.
