Live stream: Devida Hopoate, Macey Lahrs among famous names at ASSRL Nationals Under-15/16 Championships

“He’s really unlike his dad.” Why schoolboys coach is confident the next player off the Hopoate production line is ready to create name for himself. See the famous names at the ASSRL Nationals.

The latest future talent to roll off the highly successful Hopoate production line will headline a group of exciting young stars at the Under-15/16 ASSRL Nationals.

While flashy winger Devida Hopoate might have dreams of following in the footsteps of his siblings and famed father, John, for now his attention is focused on bringing national glory back to NSW Combined Independent Schools.

Hopoate junior has been named on the wing for a NSW CIS chasing a third-straight Under-15 boys title at the ASSRL Nationals in Port Macquarie from Sunday.

Every match of the ASSRL Under-15/16 Nationals will be exclusively live streamed on KommunityTV from June 30-July 5.

HOW TO WATCH EVERY MATCH FROM THE ASSRL NATIONALS LIVE

Devida Hopoate (front right) with seven of his siblings and mum and dad, Brenda and John Hopoate at the family home in 2022. Picture: David Swift

Devida is the son of mercurial, albeit controversial, Sea Eagles winger John Hopoate, one of 11 kids who have all been gifted with their dad’s sporting ability.

He has five older siblings who have all reached the bright lights of the professional leagues with brothers Will, Jamil, Albert and Lehi all playing in the NRL, while sister Pani is contracted to the Roosters NRLW squad.

NSW Combined Independent Schools coach Yoni Charlupsky believes it is older brother Will, who the young flyer takes after most.

Will Hopoate gives his baby brother Devida a kiss during the Sea Eagles grand final parade after winning the 2010 title.

“He’s really unlike his dad,” Charlupsky said. “He’s really similar in nature to Will in that he’s really calm, collected and cool under pressure. He does a lot of his talking through his footy.

“Obviously, footy runs in the family for him, and I just think even though he’s young, he brings a lot of natural ability and a unique sort of skill set.

“He’s a really humble young man and I’m excited to see what his ability can bring. Obviously he’s got the last name but I think he’ll step into his own, rather than live off the name of the Hopoate family.”

Hopate is not the only player at the Under-15/16 ASSRL Nationals with familial ties to the top levels of the sport. Check out some other famous surnames competing below.

North Queensland Cowboys player Kaiden Lahrs, 18, with his younger sister Macey, 14, of Kirwan State High School. Picture: Alix Sweeney / North Queensland Cowboys

MACEY LAHRS (Queensland Girls)

The daughter of former NSW Origin prop Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Macey is an all-round sporting talent having excelled on the footy field and basketball court. The athletic forward has been a prolific tryscorer at the junior level. Her brother, Kaiden, was an Australian Schoolboys representative in 2023.

KAIASI TALAKAI (NSW Combined Independent Schools)

The younger brother of one-time Wallaby and former Melbourne Rebels and Queensland Reds prop Sam Talakai. Kaiasi is also part of the Waratahs Gen Next program, and a school mate of Devida from Waverley College.

St Margaret Mary's College's Evoltia Tuala is tackled by Kirwan's Sari Ericson. Picture: Evan Morgan

EVOLTIA TUALA (Queensland Girls)

The St Margaret Mary’s College young gun is the cousin of Knights winger and former National Schoolboys Cup champion Enari Tuala. A former track and field athlete, Tuala has used her lightning speed to her advantage in the outside backs for the Blackhawks in the Harvey Norman U17s state league.

API AMONE (NSW CCC)

The younger brother of former Dragons playmaker Junior Amone, Api has a skillset that defies his sizeable frame. The Illawarra Sports High talent will line up in the front row for the NSW CHS side

Baxter Best, the 14yo brother of Bradman -- so good that he’s in THREE development squads - Broncos, Roosters & Titans.

BAXTER BEST (Queensland Maroons)

The outside back takes after older brother Bradman in name and nature. Best is a powerful ballrunner and staunch in defence. He will be a key part of the Queensland Maroons side determined to improve on last year’s grand final finish.

Originally published as Live stream: Devida Hopoate, Macey Lahrs among famous names at ASSRL Nationals Under-15/16 Championships