Lehi Hopoate

[eagle66]

Hodgson, Woods, Matterson, and James are Supplementary and eligible from Tound 1

The others, including Faulalo, are Training, and one step lower, must wait until Rd 11

I can't see any if these supplementary players playing NRL this year.
James has been underwhelming. From the signing hype, expected him pushing for the 17. His inclusion has pushed Dias and Sykes down the list, who show more heart and grit. Apart from the politics, shame we still don't have one of Tuitavake, Fifita or Samuela Fainu who are looking like they would be pushing for bench spots with us.

 

[The Indian]

Yes I remember him absolutely carving it up. He really stood out.

John was one of the best junior footballers you'd see especially in those early years before he bulked up and lost some pace. It was all off the cuff and raw athleticism and aggression though and whilst he did play briefly for Australia and NSW in the Super League depleted era, and have a good career I reckon he left a lot on the table ( for various reasons we all know ). No shocks his kids have inherited his raw ability though, was tons of it.

 

[KaZa]

Size is not the only problem. The guy is allergic to passing a football. In fact, I don't know that he has ever passed a ball in his life?!

Defence too. Just not his position. Not sure what junior position he was? possibly a half? i dont know.

 

[mave]

Defence too. Just not his position. Not sure what junior position he was? possibly a half? i dont know.

Well clearly not a ball boy.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Lehi Hopoate shines in Blacktown's win over Warriors​

Two tries to rising young full-back Lehi Hopoate has helped Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles to a 24-18 victory over the Warriors in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup in Auckland today.

Following a strong pre-season with the NRL squad, Hopoate has been in fine form in recent weeks, with Blacktown Workers Coach Wayne Lambkin shifting the exciting youngster back to his preferred position of full-back for the Warriors match.

Hopoate wasted little time in seizing the opportunity, proving a constant threat at full-back in a fine performance.

The Warriors opened the scoring in the fifth minute through winger Setu Tu for a 4-0 lead before a clever pick up in wet conditions by centre Clayton Faulalo from a grubber kick from half back Brandon Wakeham saw Manly take a 6-4 lead after 12 minutes.

Sea Eagles hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong used his sheer strength from a dummy half run to carry three defenders over the line to score under the posts for a 12-4 lead after 18 minutes.

Blacktown Workers went further ahead a minute later when talented full-back Lehi Hopoate got on the outside of his man to score out wide for a 16-4 lead.

The Warriors caught the Sea Eagles out in defence to lay on two tries in five minutes to trail 16-14 at the break.

The Warriors caught the Sea Eagles out in defence to lay on two tries in five minutes through Taine Tuaupiki and Ali Leiataua to trail 16-14 at the break.

The opening 25 minutes of the second half was a dour struggle with the Sea Eagles marking up in defence several times in between some drop balls.

The Warriors took the lead after gaining some misfortune following a penalty goal attempt that hit the upright. From a short kick, the Warriors finished off their set with a try in the corner to second-rower Leka Halasima for an 18-16 lead.

However, the Sea Eagles were not done with yet and a nice shirt in play to their right saw experienced winger Watson Heleta cross in the corner for a 20-18 lead with five minutes remaining.

Hopoate then crossed for his second try with two minutes remaining after slicing through two defenders to score out wide for a 24-18 lead.

Blacktown Workers have now won three from six matches under Coach Wayne Lambkin.

Blacktown Workers 24 (Clayton Faulalo 9', Gordon Chan Kum Tong 16'
Lehi Hopoate 19', Watson Heleta 72',Hopoate 77' tries; Brandon Wakeham 11'
Brandon Wakeham 17' goals) d Warriors 18(Setu Tu 5', Taine Tuaupiki 27'
Ali Leiataua 31', Leka Halasima 68' tries; Taine Tuaupiki 32' goal).

 

[master blaster]

Lehi Hopoate shines in Blacktown's win over Warriors​

Two tries to rising young full-back Lehi Hopoate has helped Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles to a 24-18 victory over the Warriors in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup in Auckland today.

Following a strong pre-season with the NRL squad, Hopoate has been in fine form in recent weeks, with Blacktown Workers Coach Wayne Lambkin shifting the exciting youngster back to his preferred position of full-back for the Warriors match.

Hopoate wasted little time in seizing the opportunity, proving a constant threat at full-back in a fine performance.

The Warriors opened the scoring in the fifth minute through winger Setu Tu for a 4-0 lead before a clever pick up in wet conditions by centre Clayton Faulalo from a grubber kick from half back Brandon Wakeham saw Manly take a 6-4 lead after 12 minutes.

Sea Eagles hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong used his sheer strength from a dummy half run to carry three defenders over the line to score under the posts for a 12-4 lead after 18 minutes.

Blacktown Workers went further ahead a minute later when talented full-back Lehi Hopoate got on the outside of his man to score out wide for a 16-4 lead.

The Warriors caught the Sea Eagles out in defence to lay on two tries in five minutes to trail 16-14 at the break.

The Warriors caught the Sea Eagles out in defence to lay on two tries in five minutes through Taine Tuaupiki and Ali Leiataua to trail 16-14 at the break.

The opening 25 minutes of the second half was a dour struggle with the Sea Eagles marking up in defence several times in between some drop balls.

The Warriors took the lead after gaining some misfortune following a penalty goal attempt that hit the upright. From a short kick, the Warriors finished off their set with a try in the corner to second-rower Leka Halasima for an 18-16 lead.

However, the Sea Eagles were not done with yet and a nice shirt in play to their right saw experienced winger Watson Heleta cross in the corner for a 20-18 lead with five minutes remaining.

Hopoate then crossed for his second try with two minutes remaining after slicing through two defenders to score out wide for a 24-18 lead.

Blacktown Workers have now won three from six matches under Coach Wayne Lambkin.

Blacktown Workers 24 (Clayton Faulalo 9', Gordon Chan Kum Tong 16'
Lehi Hopoate 19', Watson Heleta 72',Hopoate 77' tries; Brandon Wakeham 11'
Brandon Wakeham 17' goals) d Warriors 18(Setu Tu 5', Taine Tuaupiki 27'
Ali Leiataua 31', Leka Halasima 68' tries; Taine Tuaupiki 32' goal).

We have to do our best to hang onto this kid and hope his old man doesnt get into his ear. He looks to be the pick of the bunch

 

[ManlyTragic]

Getting the best out of juniors is one of the biggest challenges coaches face. It's almost like being a chef. The good ones make delicious food from specific ingredients. The great ones make magic with the random ingredients that happen to be plentiful in their kitchen.

Oh damn…. You’ve made me hungry now !

 

[manly al]

Looks to have some real ability and think signed up to at least next season .
Maybe full back is his most suited position but seems to be able to acquit himself to a centre and wing role as well .
Faulalo seemed to go right off his tackling when he got some type of a shoulder knock while attempting a tackle .
Well assuming he did , otherwise a bit of a concerning drop off in commitment
Still looks a good level prospect however but of course also does young Lehi and especially for his age

 

[Mark from Brisbane]

I think like all the Hoppa’s they’ll get the start here and then off to the highest bidder come contract renewal.

And advancing him into first grade will only hasten that decision.

Sad but it seems to be the way it’s happening these days.

 

[LeonardCohen]

He looks to be the pick of the bunch

The same thing was said about Albert. In fact, the talk at one point was where could Tom T play when Albert inevitably took over the fullback jumper?! The Hopoate's have a habit of filling out and losing their zip when they hit 21-22 of age. I hope you're right and he does kick on but if past experience is anything to go by, we should temper our excitement a little.

 

[maxta]

I like what Lehi can do and is only young, personally reckon it's better to forget the Hopoate tag and let the kid's abilities speak for itself

 

[swoop]

We bring them through our juniors and as soon as they make NRL and if they look any good they **** off to a diffrent club for the dollars. How many Hopoate's that have come our ranks stayed?

 

[double hoops]

We bring them through our juniors and as soon as they make NRL and if they look any good they **** off to a diffrent club for the dollars. How many Hopoate's that have come our ranks stayed?

Or is it up to us not to loose our young kids we want to keep. I just don't think Manly wanted to keep the last Hopoate.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

If he fits into our culture the club will want to keep him.

 

[Ron E. Gibbs]

If he fits into our culture the club will want to keep him.

Given that we took him to Vegas, I'm guessing the club has a pretty high opinion of him. He has looked very good for Blacktown.

 

[ManlyTragic]

Given that we took him to Vegas, I'm guessing the club has a pretty high opinion of him. He has looked very good for Blacktown.

Yep but there was a lot of talk about Albert Hoppa and weekes etc….. it seems a big step up from Blacktown to NRL level of expectation.

 

[Seagles68]

Lehi Hopoate shines in Blacktown's win over Warriors​

Two tries to rising young full-back Lehi Hopoate has helped Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles to a 24-18 victory over the Warriors in The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup in Auckland today.

Following a strong pre-season with the NRL squad, Hopoate has been in fine form in recent weeks, with Blacktown Workers Coach Wayne Lambkin shifting the exciting youngster back to his preferred position of full-back for the Warriors match.

Hopoate wasted little time in seizing the opportunity, proving a constant threat at full-back in a fine performance.

The Warriors opened the scoring in the fifth minute through winger Setu Tu for a 4-0 lead before a clever pick up in wet conditions by centre Clayton Faulalo from a grubber kick from half back Brandon Wakeham saw Manly take a 6-4 lead after 12 minutes.

Sea Eagles hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong used his sheer strength from a dummy half run to carry three defenders over the line to score under the posts for a 12-4 lead after 18 minutes.

Blacktown Workers went further ahead a minute later when talented full-back Lehi Hopoate got on the outside of his man to score out wide for a 16-4 lead.

The Warriors caught the Sea Eagles out in defence to lay on two tries in five minutes to trail 16-14 at the break.

The Warriors caught the Sea Eagles out in defence to lay on two tries in five minutes through Taine Tuaupiki and Ali Leiataua to trail 16-14 at the break.

The opening 25 minutes of the second half was a dour struggle with the Sea Eagles marking up in defence several times in between some drop balls.

The Warriors took the lead after gaining some misfortune following a penalty goal attempt that hit the upright. From a short kick, the Warriors finished off their set with a try in the corner to second-rower Leka Halasima for an 18-16 lead.

However, the Sea Eagles were not done with yet and a nice shirt in play to their right saw experienced winger Watson Heleta cross in the corner for a 20-18 lead with five minutes remaining.

Hopoate then crossed for his second try with two minutes remaining after slicing through two defenders to score out wide for a 24-18 lead.

Blacktown Workers have now won three from six matches under Coach Wayne Lambkin.

Blacktown Workers 24 (Clayton Faulalo 9', Gordon Chan Kum Tong 16'
Lehi Hopoate 19', Watson Heleta 72',Hopoate 77' tries; Brandon Wakeham 11'
Brandon Wakeham 17' goals) d Warriors 18(Setu Tu 5', Taine Tuaupiki 27'
Ali Leiataua 31', Leka Halasima 68' tries; Taine Tuaupiki 32' goal).

If all we need is nice shirts out wide to score tries, get our marketing people onto it pronto. GF he we come!

 

[MW66]

Think he becomes a very viable option later in the season, probably on the wing. Definitely see him in FG next year in some capacity and will provide good depth at FB, Wing and Centre.

 

[Eagle 1]

I think like all the Hoppa’s they’ll get the start here and then off to the highest bidder come contract renewal.

And advancing him into first grade will only hasten that decision.

Sad but it seems to be the way it’s happening these days.

Agree, when the times right Hoppa snr will want to get us into a bidding war for Lehi. Just as long as we're sensible about it, but he sure looks like the finished product right now.

 

[frank stokes]

Given that we took him to Vegas, I'm guessing the club has a pretty high opinion of him. He has looked very good for Blacktown.

Imagine if he was ready and we could move Turbo into a centre role with Garrick back to wing…
I know it is like a 1% chance of happening but Turbo could be every bit as effective (or more) at centre as he is at FB right now imo… seems to be just lacking some of the impact he had at his peak (whilst still being clearly above average)… a young gun FB might actually be the final piece…