‘Best birthday present ever’: Bay footy star to debut for Panthers

A 22-year-old Seagulls star has signed an NRL contract. He spoke to the Chronicle about the dream gig.

Former Hervey Bay Seagulls football star J'maine Hopgood is set to make his debut for Penrith Panthers.

It was the birthday present former Hervey Bay Seagulls football star J’maine Hopgood wasn’t expecting.

The 22-year-old, who was signed to an NRL development contract by Penrith Panthers, will make his debut for the top performing football team against the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday.

“I’m stoked,” Hopgood told the Chronicle on Tuesday.

“It’s still sinking in.”

Hopgood said he was thrilled to be making his debut for the strongest club in the competition, with the leaders unbeaten so far this year.

He said he had been given about 30 tickets, which had already been snapped up by friends and family, including his mum Anita, with about 20 more loved ones to buy tickets ahead of the game.

Hopgood will be coming off the bench and probably playing in the middle of the park in the second row or lock.

He said he’d received lots of messages from members of the Seagulls club since the news broke.

Former Hervey Bay Seagulls football star J'maine Hopgood is set to make his debut for Penrith Panthers.

“It’s the best present ever,” Hopgood said.

“I’ve been flooded with messages from everyone.”

Learning the news was both cause for celebration and an emotional moment for the young man.

His father, Dale Hopgood, died of a heart attack after playing a game of rugby league for the Hervey Bay Seagulls on March 24, 2007.

He was just 39.

Hopgood, who was working as a carpenter while working to achieve his dream of playing in the NRL, told the Chronicle last year he was sure his father would be incredibly proud of his achievements.