Jamil Hopoate banned by NRL from making first grade debut with Sea Eagles

THE NRL Integrity unit has blocked Jamil Hopoate from making his NRL debut for the injury-ravaged Sea Eagles in Sunday’s game against Penrith

Jamil Hopoate in action for Narraweena A grfade rugby league side. Picture:Troy Snook

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THE NRL Integrity unit has blocked Jamil Hopoate from making his NRL debut for the injury-ravaged Sea Eagles in Sunday’s final game of the season against Penrith on Sunday at Pepper Stadium, saying he is not yet rehabilitated.

The 21-year-old has set about resurrecting his football career after serving nine months of an 18-month sentence following guilty pleas to two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company in Manly in 2014.

He returned to the field in May with the Narraweena A-grade side and his standout performances resulted in his call-up to the Manly NSW Cup side in July where he again starred.

At the time he told the Manly Daily that the harsh realities of life behind bars had turned his life around.

Jamil Hopoate kicks a conversion Narraweena. Picture: Troy Snook.

But an NRL spokesman said yesterday: ”The NRL has required Jamil undertake a range of rehabilitation work before it will consider registering his contract.

“That rehabilitation has not yet been undertaken.”

Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett was diplomatic when quizzed about the situation yesterday.

“Jamil is eligible to NSW Cup but not eligible to play NRL,” Barrett said.

Jamil Hopoate entering Downing Centre Court to be sentenced on two charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.in company.

“I’m not too sure of the details around that but rules are rules and we will abide by them and we will still field a strong side on Sunday.

“The Integrity Commission has got rules and we stick to them.”

Asked if Hopoate had been in line for selection in the first grade side for Sunday Barrett replied: “Depending on who was out and who was in, we would have made that call. Jamil has some ability.”