NRL 2021: Raiders sign former Sea Eagle flyer Albert Hopoate

He’s been called one of the most exciting young talents in the game — and now Albert Hopoate has decided where his NRL future lies.

Young gun Albert Hopoate is weighing up his next move. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

Rising star Albert Hopoate has put aside brotherly love to join a premiership force in the Canberra Raiders on a cut-price deal.

The Bulldogs had emerged as contenders for the younger brother of Canterbury fullback Will Hopoate with the Manly junior rated “the best Hopoate yet” by members of his famous football family.

However, the exciting fullback, wing or centre has agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth under $100,000 to move to the nation’s capital under coach Ricky Stuart.

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NRL young gun Albert Hopoate was bizarrely let go by Manly after the 2020 season, despite being called the most talented Hopoate. Picture: NRL Photos.

“I really like that Albert has taken the challenging decision over the more familiar decision to play at the same club as his brother,’’ Stuart told News Corp.

“He’s a very talented football player and I’m looking forward to having him.’’

Albert, 19, had been let go by junior club Manly after making his NRL debut in 2020 and featuring in five first-grade games.

The teenage son of former Sea Eagles headline act John Hopoate will fight for a starting NRL berth at the Raiders following the departure of Nick Cotric, Michael Oldfield and a shoulder injury that may stop captain Jarrod Croker from beginning the 2021 season.

Earlier this year, older sibling Jamil Hopoate, who played NRL this season with the Broncos boldly declared Albert boasted the most amount of talent of any Hopoate

Albert Hopoate (right) opted for Raider Green rather than to join his brother’s team. Picture: NRL Photos.

Albert met with the Raiders last Monday and in touring the club’s facilities, it’s believed he was been blown-away by their new high-performance training centre.

The Sea Eagles mysteriously opted to let Hopoate go after the emerging star made his NRL debut for the club last season amid an injury crisis.

The Sea Eagles also loaned Hopoate out to the New Zealand Warriors during their troubled 2020 season.

Albert’s manager Tyran Smith informed the Raiders of his client’s decision on Saturday afternoon.

Hopoate suffered two ACL injuries in the space of 12 months and went on to play every other game in the season after making his debut for the Sea Eagles in round 16.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Raiders sign former Sea Eagle flyer Albert Hopoate