‘Both of us can do a good job at fullback’: Sea Eagles have big choice to make at the back with Tom Trbojevic out

It’s impossible to replace Tom Trbojevic, but the Sea Eagles are blessed with one of the best young outside backs in the game who is happy to fill in.

Lehi Hopoate is happy to fill in at fullback for the injured Tom Trbojevic having worked closely with the superstar fullback in the pre-season. Picture: NRL Photos

The best advice Lehi Hopoate received from his famous father was “don’t be scared”, and it’s why the Sea Eagles rookie is confident he can get the job done if coach Anthony Seibold names him at fullback to replace the injured Tom Trbojevic.

Still only 19 and in his first season playing against men, Hopoate has emerged as one of the favourites for the Dally M Rookie of the Year award, with the local junior handling everything thrown his way this season.

He looks set to face another massive test on Sunday against the Sharks, with either Hopoate or Tolu Koula to replace Trbojevic, who suffered a grade 3 AC shoulder injury in the big win over the Bulldogs.

Hopoate has played four games at fullback this season but could remain on the wing given the Sea Eagles will also be without Jason Saab, who suffered a high ankle sprain last week.

Tom Trbojevic won’t play the Sharks on Sunday but is expected to return in week one of the finals. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

“I’m just happy to be in the 17, wherever ‘Seibs’ puts me I’ll take it with both hands,” the young gun said.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s me or Tolu, I’m sure both of us can do a good job at fullback.

“I was devastated (when Tom went down). He doesn’t deserve any of this, he’s such a hard worker.”

Hopoate only made his NSW Cup debut this year but has looked at home in first grade having spent the pre-season working closely with Trbojevic, who has taught him the finer details of fullback play.

“Having a player like that in your team is such an advantage, he’s probably the best fullback in the game right now,” he said.

“To have him as a teammate, to learn off him every week, every day, it’s been big for my career.”

Wearing the famous Manly jersey was always on the cards for Hopoate given his dad and brother, Will, won premierships for the club, while he also went to school across the road from 4 Pines Park.

He’s learnt plenty from those two that might explain why he’s looked so comfortable in the NRL despite being just 82kg and suffering a sickening facial injury back in July.

Lehi Hopoate has starred on the wing and at fullback in his rookie season. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

“There are heaps of challenges I’ve faced, the biggest one is probably physicality,” he said, having made his debut at fullback against the Storm in round 12.

“The boys are much bigger and stronger than me, I’m a lot sorer after the games. I have to use my footwork to get in, get down and get a quick play the ball.

“Good ball defence has been a challenge when teams are coming at me and I have to make the right decision.

“As fullback, you don’t really have to worry about that and that’s one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced so far. I’m still learning and trying to improve every week.”

Hopoate is in the mix for rookie of the year on the back of eight tries in his past six games on the wing, but the humble youngster hasn’t spent a second thinking about what could happen on Dally M night.

“No way, there are too many rookies out there. I don’t pay attention to it, I have games to worry about,” he said, with Manly set to play finals footy next week.

Originally published as ‘Both of us can do a good job at fullback’: Sea Eagles have big choice to make at the back with Tom Trbojevic out