Lehi Hopoate

[Sheikheagle]

The thing that really surprises me about LH is that he just has so much drive in his legs but it looks like there's almost nothing to him. Good genes I guess.

Agree. He would be lucky to be 80kgs.

 

[ManlyTragic]

I'm sure the club would like to keep all of them, that's not the issue.

Beyond this year I don't think Player #6 (whoever that is) would want to stick around to play out of position, on the bench, or only be playing if/when one of the other 5 get injured... especially when on current form they'd very likely get an offer for a starting backline spot at another club.

I think it is the issue on here… because if we let #6 go then every second person on here will be giving it to the recruitment team and Seibold for letting #6 go!

Just sayin’

 

[HK_Eagle]

The thing that really surprises me about LH is that he just has so much drive in his legs but it looks like there's almost nothing to him. Good genes I guess.

Agreed. It’s tantalising to think what some mature kg on his frame could lead to

 

[LeonardCohen]

I would let pretty much any player in our entire backline walk before releasing Hoppa. He might not be there yet but you can see he is going to end up ahead of the rest of the backline. As an athlete, he has speed and strength but most importantly, he is a footballer in the truest sense with skill, time, and awareness.

We cannot afford to let him be our equivalent of the Cowboys letting Hammer go, believing that whats already there will suffice.

 

[manlyfan76]

LiHo

 

[Tragic Eagle]

We don't need to let any backs go we need the depth. We have utilized Burbo as both second rower and as a centre when needed and the same can be done with Talua. Talua does look like he has potential as a second rower. As to learning his trade I don't adhere to that logic. He is a established first grade footballer and he doesn't need to go back to Reggies to learn how to play a new position these guys are professionals training every day.

 

[manly al]

Plenty of instances of outside backs or more robust types transitioning into edge type players but just do not get that inclination in Talau 's case .
Not based on ability , just general playing style and best positional role .
Tend to think a player like Schoupp more suited to an edge role .
Had some doubts about Parker initially to an edge role , seemed to improve his running style some time ago and thought that he could then go on with it at i st grade level but not at this stage for whatever reason .
Burbo has still seemed to progress this season there in better stead and Lawton quite impressive in recent times but again , would have some doubts in Talau "s case

 

[manly al]

B T W , think that it would be a major miscalculation understating Koula 's general value to the side [ and obviously when he is ideally injury free [
Has shown time and time again how his above average speed and general attacking and running ability and usual robust defence can definitely help big time to get the side to another level .
Hasn "t received the best of opportunities this season and then his injury issues but fortunately on the books for quite some time yet and sure that he can be a key backline asset during it .

 

[frank stokes]

B T W , think that it would be a major miscalculation understating Koula 's general value to the side [ and obviously when he is ideally injury free [
Has shown time and time again how his above average speed and general attacking and running ability and usual robust defence can definitely help big time to get the side to another level .
Hasn "t received the best of opportunities this season and then his injury issues but fortunately on the books for quite some time yet and sure that he can be a key backline asset during it .

Kid is certainly no liability... his defence is solid and he has afterburners... I just think he stifles the attack a little as he has rarely broken tackles this year and has not been great at getting on the outside of his man and drawing the winger in... having said that he does have a good fast offload on those sweeping moves...

He is definitely NRL-level but this year has convinced me that he is a fullback playing centre because he benefits from having some space to work in... given that Tom is our FB, I would have Talau and Garrick in the centres and Koula battling with Lehi for a wing spot (where he can use his pace better)...

Just my thoughts and I dont expect him to lose his spot anytime soon as the club has locked him down long term...

 

[lsz]

I'm sure the club would like to keep all of them, that's not the issue.

Beyond this year I don't think Player #6 (whoever that is) would want to stick around to play out of position, on the bench, or only be playing if/when one of the other 5 get injured... especially when on current form they'd very likely get an offer for a starting backline spot at another club.

I guess they hedge their bets and see where they go

Also if small forwards are the way to go / HIA I can see a world where there is always a 1 - 5 on the bench next to the hooker

 

[LeonardCohen]

We don't need to let any backs go we need the depth. We have utilized Burbo as both second rower and as a centre when needed and the same can be done with Talua. Talua does look like he has potential as a second rower. As to learning his trade I don't adhere to that logic. He is an established first grade footballer and he doesn't need to go back to Reggies to learn how to play a new position these guys are professionals training every day.

It’s not about letting them go, it’s holding onto them. Clubs rarely keep the same depth players for long, as it changes year to year as players go looking for more regular footy and opportunities.

I can’t imagine a world where one of Hopoate, Talau, Koula, Garrick, Saab and Trbo are happy to hang around as depth when they’re all clearly first graders. The only reason it works now is because Talau had to reboot his career and Hoppa is a rookie. Eventually, it’s going to come to a head and we are going to have to pick who stays and who goes. It’s just part and parcel of rugby league.

 

[DanielTurbo888]

I'm sure he will fast become a fan favourite with the young ladies as well.

 

[WiseyEagle]

The thing that really surprises me about LH is that he just has so much drive in his legs but it looks like there's almost nothing to him. Good genes I guess.

I like the way he has his plan already worked out when taking the high ball at the back. If there is no opportunity to do a kick return run, he drops immediately to the ground after securing the ball to ensure he isn't driven back or ends up copping a shot

 

[Terry Zarsoff]

I like the way he has his plan already worked out when taking the high ball at the back. If there is no opportunity to do a kick return run, he drops immediately to the ground after securing the ball to ensure he isn't driven back or ends up copping a shot

I think he is one of the most complete footballers I have seen at this stage of his career. It’s like he has an ‘old head on young shoulders’.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

I think he is one of the most complete footballers I have seen at this stage of his career. It’s like he has an ‘old head on young shoulders’.

Sort of understand now why they took him to Vegas, at the time I thought What???
Almost as though they recognised his talent. 🙂

 

[manlyfan76]

Good battle today on his edge.

 

[Stuey Davis’s Socks]

Brooks scores with 2 eyes
Hoppa - “Hold my beer”

 

[XV-1]

How long is a player out with a fractured eye socket?

 

[Dion Johnson]

How long is a player out with a fractured eye socket?

Depends on the swelling, though 3-4 weeks post surgery.

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

Depends on the swelling, though 3-4 weeks post surgery.

He won’t be back for at least a month , bad luck for the kid he’s been going great guns.