Another member of the prodigious Hopoate clan could be in for a shock start in the NRL – with the Broncos.
Sione Hopoate turned 26 recently and his chances of an NRL career looked to have passed him by.
But the speedy winger is on a training deal with the Broncos and has impressed coach Michael Maguire with his determination and talent.
And with the Broncos losing three wingers over the summer – Tristan Sailor (St Helens), Corey Oates (retired) and Jordan Pereira (retired) – Sione could be the next Hopoate to make his name in the NRL.
Sione Hopoate playing a trial match for Brisbane in 2024. Â Getty
Dad John was an infamous bad boy for the Sea Eagles and Tigers in the 1990s and 2000s, playing for both New South Wales and Australia.
Sons Albert, Lehi, Jamil and Will have all carved out their own NRL careers while Wide World of Sports recently reported that daughter Liesel has signed with the Illawarra Steelers in the Tarsha Gale Cup for 2025.
Sione played for Wynnum in the Queensland Cup last season, scoring nine tries in 20 games and taking out the club's player of the year award.
"Madge has been very positive about Sione and keeps extending his trial period," Hopoate's manager Matt Adamson told Wide World of Sports.
"He has told him to keep doing what he is doing and hopefully he will get a run in the trials soon."
