He’s Will and able

[gong_eagle]

He’s Will and able

• sport
  • Rugby League

27 Apr 09 @ 04:03pm by JASON AVEDISSIAN


CROMER High School student Will Hopoate is in line for an extraordinary rise into the NRL this year.
The 16-year-old fullback made his first appearance of the year in Manly’s Toyota Cup win over the Cowboys on Saturday night.
It was young Will’s first outing after shoulder surgery before round one.
The teenager came through the 30-minute showing unscathed.
The Manly Daily understands the son of ex-Sea Eagles star John Hopoate could be in line for a rise to the top grade if he stays healthy.
Ex-Australian and NSW representative Matthew Johns believes the youngster could be an option for Manly coach Des Hasler, if he impresses over the next four weeks.
“He’s a very, very good talent,” Johns told the Daily on Monday.
“If Will has a big month and picks up some form, it might give Des some food for thought.
“It’s too early to throw him in there now.”
Will’s dad John Hopoate said his son could handle anything.
“I think he’d handle it,” the boxer said.
“He’s got to get a few games under his belt first. He’s still only a kid ... he doesn’t turn 17 until next month.
“Not much fazes him, he’s so laid back.
“I haven’t really talked about it (playing NRL) with him, he’s just wanted to get over his injury.”
Manly Toyota Cup coach David Penna said he was pleased with Will’s return against the Cowboys.
“Will’s very young and I know Des will make the right decision on whether he will use him or not,” Penna said.
“We were pretty happy with the way he came through on Saturday night.
“He’s still got to get used to the tempo and feel for playing Toyota Cup.”
Johns said Hasler should consider switching fullback Michael Robertson back to the wing as Manly continue life without regular custodian Brett Stewart.
“I think Robbo’s doing a good job, but look at what he did last year in the grand final ... he’s just a really good finisher and Manly are missing out on that as well,” Johns said.
Stewart had surgery on Friday and will spend the next six weeks on crutches before resuming his rehabilitation.
Manly second-rower Glenn Hall picked up a minor shoulder injury in Saturday night’s 26-12 NRL loss to the Cowboys in Townsville.
But the hard-working forward is expected to line-up in Friday night’s grand final replay against the Melbourne Storm at Brookvale Oval.
Hopoate and his Toyota Cup mates play Melbourne at Brookvale Oval from 5.15pm, also on Friday.
The youngsters lead the premiership after seven straight wins.

 

[APRIL BELLE]

Remember the name Jordan Rankin. For 2 weeks he was the most talked about person in the NRL when the Titans played the 16yo in the NRL at half back. They said it would do the kid a world of good. Ask the Titans now what they think.

The kid is back playing under 20's. He wasn't considered for selection when Prince was injured last round because they said his form this year wasn't good.

Young Hopoate deserves better than being blooded in NRL at 16yo. He doesn't do the full weights program that the rest of the NRL squad does. Why not. Because they have identified that his growing body is not ready for that level of training. On those grounds how could anyone consider playing him in NRL. He has missed 6 weeks of footy with a shoulder injury that was originally diagnosed as being an injury that would keep him out for 2weeks, again his body did not recover as quickly as thought.

The Fullback position carries a lot of pressure. Opposition teams will target him.

Playing him is a gamble with nothing to gain.

 

[willvillain]

^^^^ all correct.

Hoppa is not the answer. Great talent, but not the answer. And it's unfair to put it on him.

 

[Daddycool]

April Belle said it, he's only a kid. Leave him alone to develop in the 20's. He isn't the answer.

 

[aussies1st]

Manly is set to promote boom youngster William Hopoate, son of infamous Manly winger John Hopoate, in a bid to solve the side's fullback dilemma in the injury-enforced absence of Brett Stewart.

The promising 17-year-old was signed to a three-year deal reportedly worth $300,000 at the age of sixteen, and is now set to fill the shoes of the Sea Eagles' talismanic custodian, according to Manly enforcer Brent Kite.

“I think there’s a good chance of him coming up but I think he’s been injured for the first part of the year and I think he’d like to have a few games in the Toyota Cup side and get some good form on the board,” Kite told BigPond Sports Weekend

Kite was quick to defend his struggling teammates from suggestions coach Des Hasler is set to select other players from the dominant under twenty side who have lost only one game this season,

“I think it’s a bit too early for that, they’re going well and that’s good to see but I think we can turn it around.”

The Kangaroos prop concedes the Sea Eagles have lost some attacking potency without Stewart, but the reigning premiers are refusing to use his absence as an excuse.

“It’s a fact but I don’t think we can dwell on that too much because it’s going to be a long time before Brett is back,” said Kite.

The Manly forward was at a loss to explain Sea Eagles failure to convert opportunities into tries.

“As to why we’re not quite finishing off tries, I’m scratching my head at the moment,” said the veteran prop.

http://www.rugbyleaguelive.com/Arti...poate_set_to_rescue_faltering_Sea_Eagles.aspx

 

[Sea_Eagles_Rock]

I remember the same talk about a 16 year old Brad Fittler.