Filling in for Tom Trbojevic is a tall order at the very best of occasions, not to mention with a house semifinal probably on the road.
The Manly talisman will miss this weekend’s conflict with Cronulla, the place a win will ship the Sea Eagles a conflict at Brookvale Oval within the first week of the finals
Provided that Trbojevic will nurse his shoulder damage by the remainder of the season, discovering the proper substitute is essential and the stress on the brand new man on the again can be immense.
Fortuitously for the Sea Eagles, rookie Lehi Hopoate would not appear to really feel stress, it doesn’t matter what will get thrown his method.
Hopoate will vie with speedster Tolu Koula to line up on the again in opposition to the Sharks on Sunday however no matter the place he takes the sector, his contributions have rapidly develop into important for Manly.
The 19-year-old has performed fullback, left wing and proper wing by a formidable maiden marketing campaign that has yielded 9 tries in 11 video games this season, together with two in Friday evening’s win over Canterbury.
“I used to be devastated [for Trbojevic[. He doesn’t deserve any of this, he’s such a hard worker,” Hopoate said.
“Having a player like that in your team is such an advantage, he’s probably the best fullback in the game right now.
“To have him as a teammate, to learn off him every week, every day, it’s been big for my career.
“I’m just happy to be in the 17, wherever Seibs [coach Anthony Seibold] places me, I am going to take it with each palms.”
Hopoate has risen to each problem thrown his method this season and nothing appears to part him — his first-grade debut got here at fullback when he stood in for Trbojevic in an epic victory over Melbourne, which stays the best win of Manly’s season.
The Beacon Hill junior has made a belated cost for rookie of the 12 months, averaging 139 metres a recreation and impressing along with his composure and athleticism.
If he does keep on the wing, Manly will nonetheless depend on him closely given Jason Saab can be out for a number of weeks with a excessive ankle sprain.
“There’s heaps of skilled gamers who make my job simple and I am grateful for them,” Hopoate mentioned.
“There’s heaps of challenges I’ve confronted, the largest one might be physicality.
“The boys are a lot larger and stronger than me, I am much more sore after the video games, I’ve to make use of my footwork to get in, get down and get a fast play the ball.
“Good ball defence has been a problem, when groups are coming at me and I’ve to make the proper resolution.
“As fullback, you do not actually have to fret about that and that is one of many largest challenges I’ve confronted to date. I am nonetheless studying and making an attempt to enhance each week.
“The primary carry of the sport units the tone for me. As quickly as I do this, all of the nerves are out of my physique. That takes me into it.”
Supposedly essentially the most laid-back member of his in depth household — Hopoate is one in all 11 siblings and his father, John, three of his brothers, Will, Albert and Jamil, and a sister, Pani, have all performed first-grade — Hopoate appears nicely suited to thriving within the cauldron of semifinal soccer.
He nonetheless lives at residence with seven of his siblings and doesn’t hesitate when requested about the very best recommendation he has had from the household in the case of soccer.
“Do not be scared,” Hopoate mentioned.
“My dad informed me that one.”