Bulldogs local junior Lipoi Hopoi made his NRL debut last Friday evening in a 32-2 victory over the Newcastle Knights.
Hopoi has made his way through the Bulldogs pathways, playing for the Blue and White in the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and Jersey Flegg Cups where he was a member of the 2023 Premiership winning team. He played 33 games at the NSW Cup level, including nine this year, before earning his first grade debut.
Hopoi, a local junior from St. George Dragons in the Canterbury Bankstown District Junior Rugby League (CBDJRL), was highlighted off the back of a strong season in Jersey Flegg to train his first NRL preseason this year.
The young forward turned his NRL dreams into a reality with his childhood teammate Bailey Hayward by his side. The duo have played together in the Canterbury pathways since they were five.
‘I’ve grown up playing with Bailey since I was five, and to be with him out there was special’ said Hopoi speaking after the game.
"He was talking to me throughout the whole week and leading into the game, telling me what to expect."
Like Hopoi, Hayward made an impressive NRL debut this season when he took to the field in Round 6 to face the Melbourne Storm. He has been a consistent performer for the team ever since.
Hopoi took his opportunity on Friday night with both hands, coming off the bench to play 38 minutes and earn 15 runs for 121 metres. The future star did not look out of place in his first game and even pressured Knight’s player Dylan Lucas to knock on over the line in a try-saving effort.
Bulldogs deny the Knights before half time
The debutant had plenty of support to rally behind him in the stands, including his mother, whom he had called mid-week to surprise with the news in a heart-warming exchange.
As soon as Hopoi called his mother, her instincts kicked in and she immediately asked: 'What's wrong? Are you all right?'
After reassuring her that he was fine, he then asked if she was bringing the family up to watch him play reserve grade against Newcastle.
She confirmed that they were all coming up and were leaving at about three or four before he replied, 'You don't have to mum because I am going to make my debut for NRL,' he said.
His mother's reaction was an emotional one, consisting of tears and a heartfelt prayer before some encouragement:
'Take this opportunity son,' his mother said.
'You've worked so hard for this. I am so proud of you ... my heart, I can't stop.'
Take the opportunity he did, coming off the bench not once for his debut but twice when reinjected into the match in the 74th minute by Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo for a second gut-busting effort.
Looking right at home on the NRL field, Hopoi will be one to continue to watch in the coming seasons.
