Lehi Hopoate

[LeonardCohen]

Lets not forget the rorters are looking for a fullback. Look how they tried to get Ponga out of his contract and how they were chasing that young Atkinson, I wouldnt put anything past them, after all, we cant have the NRL and P Vlandys flagship struggling now can we

Yep, agree.

It's also about time we cashed in on a Hopoate. I am sick of us nurturing them through their junior years, only for them to walk away at the first opportunity.

 

[Tragic Eagle]

Strong leadership and management required here. Tom doesn’t look to have too many games left in his body. Time to plan for the future and change tack. Tom’s last line of defence has been feeble. No need to jettison Tom just move him into the centres. Lehi is our future. I don’t believe Garrick is a centre either. Defensively he is targeted and we leak points down his edge.

 

[LeonardCohen]

Hypothetically, lets say Manly do move Tom to the centres and leave Hoppa at the back (I don't think it'll happen but still), at full strength, who misses out? Garrick, Koula, or Talau? I know Garrick and Koula are on serious coin and that says its Talau but he has been one of our best all year.

 

[JakeyB789]

I think the most pleasing part with Hopoate so far is his effort in defence. Over the last couple games he’s made some really impressive tackles and been close to a few try savers. Miles ahead of Tom in this regard who wasn’t even in the picture in such situations this year

I really don’t think we are missing Tom as much as some here are saying. We aren’t struggling to score points with or without him, it’s our defence which is the issue and Tom was a non factor there in the first 10 weeks. Obviously would have Tom back at fullback once he’s fit again, but I wouldn’t expect immediate improvements in our results and at some point we have to start thinking long term

 

[HK_Eagle]

Strong leadership and management required here. Tom doesn’t look to have too many games left in his body. Time to plan for the future and change tack. Tom’s last line of defence has been feeble. No need to jettison Tom just move him into the centres. Lehi is our future. I don’t believe Garrick is a centre either. Defensively he is targeted and we leak points down his edge.

I think Turbo is on too much coin to shift into the centres. I’d put him there temporarily after he returns from injury simply to make sure he’s in the shop window and that we can move him on without picking up freight. That could be too late though, TBH.

 

[swoop]

This Hopoate is a keeper. I've watched all the Hopoate's come into first grade but Lehi looks the most naturally gifted of them all. He's played 2 games in the top team and it looks like he belongs.

He's positional plays is awesome, his defence is solid and reads the play very well and knows when to join the backline and create the extra man and score or sets up tries.

 

[Bloke on the hill]

Young Hoppa is playing really well.
I'm impressed with his understanding of 'where & when to be' considering he's only had a few games in the top grade.

 

[JenEagle]

Apparently manly have done some research on the physical
Efforts required at centre compared to fullbacks and there is little difference so I don’t think we will be moving Tom to the centres at this stage.

 

[Heckenberg]

No way. We have to give this kid what he wants so he stays. If Lehi wants to play FB then move over Tom you had your chances already this year

Hahaha your name change is phenomenal.

 

[LeonardCohen]

Apparently manly have done some research on the physical
Efforts required at centre compared to fullbacks and there is little difference so I don’t think we will be moving Tom to the centres at this stage.

Interesting. Maybe they could move him on the basis of playing crap, instead of risk of injury?

In all seriousness though, who really wants Tom defending in the front line anyway? Not me.

 

[manlyfan76]

Young Hoppa has arrived.


Needs to stay.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Did well to hold up Hunt over the line there, good to see him get his first four pointer, hose defending and positioning in defence is unbelievable for a young kid in his third game.

 

[swoop]

KEEPER did nothing wrong. Awesome

 

[JBW]

Very impressive start to his career. I presume his old man is already shopping him around.

Can we afford to keep him?

 

[mickqld]

Kid needs to stay there. Put Turbo to centre move Garrick. He's not a centre. I'd almost drop Saab put Garrick at wing. Saab doesn't do enough good things to outweigh his many deficiencies.

 

[Dion Johnson]

Very impressive start to his career. I presume his old man is already shopping him around.

Can we afford to keep him?

Lehi will get upgraded for sure over the offseason if not sooner, there will be one or two moved before him.

 

[Ashton Davis]

I currently have full confidence in Lehi based on what he has shown in first grade. His inclusion is keeping us in touch with the top 8

 

[bob dylan]

Kid needs to stay there. Put Turbo to centre move Garrick. He's not a centre. I'd almost drop Saab put Garrick at wing. Saab doesn't do enough good things to outweigh his many deficiencies.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Stewbojevic]

Did well to hold up Hunt over the line there, good to see him get his first four pointer, hose defending and positioning in defence is unbelievable for a young kid in his third game.

I honestly think he’s better defensively than Turbo… we finally found a good Hopoate

 

[Dion Johnson]

I honestly think he’s better defensively than Turbo… we finally found a good Hopoate

Definitely has been better defensively than the 2024 version of Turbo.

His attacking game is going to get there with time and confidence.