One strike too many: Hoppa out for good
By Greg Prichard
March 22, 2005
Hall of shame
John Hopoate is a dead man walking at Manly and a decision to sack him could be taken even ahead of his appearance before the NRL judiciary tonight.
Manly were saying nothing last night about Hopoate's future and no decision has yet been made, but an unscheduled meeting of the football club board will be held this morning. It is anticipated the board will decide to terminate Hopoate's contract at that meeting.
Hopoate's career in the NRL would then almost certainly be over, with a lengthy suspension tipped for him tonight and with other clubs extremely unlikely to chase the 31-year-old's signature.
The former representative winger, who has a long history of drama, was yesterday charged by the NRL with striking after an incident in Sunday's game at Brookvale Oval.
Sharks forward Keith Galloway, who had already passed the ball, was left concussed and bleeding from a cut to his ear after being struck by Hopoate, who had launched himself into the air and led with his forearm.
The incident was deemed to be so serious it was referred straight to the judiciary, without a grading.
Hopoate is now at the mercy of the judiciary panel and, presuming he is found guilty, his extensive record of suspensions in the past - he has missed a total of 28 matches - won't help him when it comes to a penalty.
Former judiciary commissioner Jim Hall said yesterday he expected Hopoate to be outed for no fewer than 15 matches and perhaps as many as 20.
"It didn't look good," Hall said of the tackle. "It's a forearm to the head and the player was injured. It falls in with tackles by players who have received 10 to 12 weeks with little or no prior record, but with Hoppa's record ...
"He has probably been told to go out there and charge the ball down, but it has ended up a reckless and dangerous tackle. It's fortunate that the player wasn't more seriously hurt."
Former judiciary chairman Alan Sullivan is expected to defend Hopoate at the judiciary hearing. It is understood Manly officials and Hopoate attended a meeting with Sullivan yesterday.
The judiciary hearing was originally set down for tomorrow night, as is normal, but was brought forward 24 hours at the request of Manly, who are anxious to have the matter finalised, rather than let it drag on for another 24 hours.
Manly have started the season with two excellent wins against the Warriors and Cronulla, but have been denied the chance to bathe in their success because of the ongoing negative publicity surrounding Hopoate.
Last week he was forced to telephone a ball boy and apologise for calling him a "little shit" during the game against the Warriors and now he is up on a major charge.
The club is unhappy that when it should be receiving praise for a great start, it is receiving criticism over Hopoate.
Manly were yesterday considering the legal implications of terminating Hopoate's contract. After he was suspended for nine matches last season he was lucky to get a new, one-year deal with the Sea Eagles and it is understood the terms of the contract allow Manly to sack him for bringing the club into disrepute.
There was also believed to be some concern at the club about implications should Galloway decide to take civil action against Hopoate, but there was no suggestion of any plans of that nature from Galloway yesterday.
Hopoate's manager, Wayne Beavis, met Manly officials yesterday, saying afterwards: "I was over there first thing in the morning, but only to talk about legal representation for the case."
Asked what he knew about Hopoate's future at the club, Beavis replied: "There's been no determination there. I don't know what they're going to do. I'm hoping that if Hoppa is suspended, it's not for too long and that he keeps playing for Manly."
When a charge is referred to the judiciary, if the player is found guilty the panel is not bound by the pre-determined penalties for various gradings that are used under normal circumstances and can penalise the offender for as long as it sees fit.
