NRL 2024: John Hopoate banned from Wests Tigers functions for life after confronting NSWRL CEO

Former rugby league player John Hopoate has been accused of grabbing NSWRL CEO David Trodden in explosive scenes at a Wests Tigers function.

Former rugby league player John Hopoate has been banned for life from attending all Wests Tigers functions after confronting NSWRL chief executive David Trodden in an expletive-laden rant.

The altercation occurred at the Tigers’ 25-year anniversary dinner last Friday night, which Hopoate attended, along with a number of former players and officials.

It was there that he allegedly grabbed Trodden by the arm and called him a “dog” and a “c...”, after he objected to the NSWRL’s refusal to lift a 10-year ban that would have allowed him to play local third-grade rugby league with his son, Will.

Hopoate was suspended for five years, with another five years suspended, after pleading guilty to striking and contrary conduct in a Manly A-grade match between Narraweena and Forestville in 2018.

The 50-year-old was able to apply to be registered this year, so he could play alongside his son Will, the former Canterbury, Parramatta and Manly back, but the NSWRL refused to clear the former Manly, Wests and Australian winger. 

Hopoate approached Trodden at the event inside Wests Ashfield last week and demanded to know why his application had been denied.

John Hopoate has been banned from attending Wests Tigers functions for life. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gaye Gerard

It’s alleged Hopoate became increasingly agitated and continued haranguing Trodden, who attended the function with his son, Matt.

In a flashpoint moment, Hopoate allegedly grabbed Trodden’s arm before calling him a “dog and c...”.

One guest described Hopoate’s actions as “full-on and disgusting.”

“It wasn’t just verbal - Hopoate grabbed Trodden,” the guest told this masthead.

“Hopoate said to Trodden: ‘Explain to me why I can’t play?’ David said a few times: ‘John, you know why you can’t play’. Hopoate kept going and Trodden said: ‘Now isn’t the time’.

“You can imagine all the names Hopoate then starting calling Trodden at that point. He called Trodden a ‘dog, c..t’. It was full on and disgusting. The function was full of people.”

Trodden and his son then left the event and a Tigers official escorted them to their car.

Hopoate left moments later.

John Hopoate resigned from Wests Tigers in 2001.

Trodden did not want to comment on the incident and had no desire to take the matter further.

No police action has been taken against Hopoate.

Hopoate denied abusing or threatening Trodden, but admitted to swearing at the NSWRL boss.

“I didn’t cross the line with Dave,” Hopoate told Nine. “There were no dramas, I just asked Dave Trodden why the NSWRL would not clear me to play. I never abused him, I never threatened him, and all he kept saying was, ‘This is the wrong time’.

“I asked him why it wasn’t the right time because I wasn’t given a reason in any emails.

“All I wanted to do was play third-division at Narraweena with my son, Will, and some of my first cousins this year. The comp is on a Saturday, which was perfect. We wanted it to be a family affair.

“Before I was banned, clubs were being told to forfeit if I did get approved to play. The only thing I did wrong was swear at him.”

NSWRL CEO David Trodden. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson has banned Hopoate from all future club functions. It is understood Tigers officials have since contacted Trodden to apologise for Hopoate’s behaviour.

Hopoate joined Wests Tigers in 2000 and played two seasons with the joint-venture club. In 2001, the NRL suspended him for 12 weeks for poking opposition players in the backside. 

Former Tigers players to attend the event included Benji Marshall, Dene Halatau, Pat Richards and Chris Heighington.

Two of Hopoate’s other sons are currently playing in the NRL. Albert is with Canberra while Lehi has emerged as an impressive rookie winger with Manly.