Bulldogs Members and supporters will be familiar with the Hopoate name and will get a glimpse of the next generation as Kalosipani joins for the inaugural 2025 NRLW season.
The hard-running forward not only has a strong family pedigree but has also hit the ground running in her fledgling career; having represented Mate Ma’a Tonga and competing in her third NRLW season all before her 21st birthday.
Hopoate will be reuniting with Head Coach Blake Cavallaro starting on a two-year deal, with the pair having had previously dominated the pathways scene at the Sydney Roosters, with the front rower playing a key role in the Tricolours’ success in the Tarsha Gale Cup.
The Bulldogs’ inaugural mentor is excited to bring another one of the Hopoate clan to Belmore and cited her go-forward as a stand-out feature of her game.
“I’ve known ‘Pani’ since she was fifteen years old with the opportunity to coach her in the Tarsha Gale Cup, and I’ve seen her progress from a girl to a woman,” Cavallaro proudly said.
“Her footy has been outstanding so far this year, she is going to bring experience as a Tongan international, and she carries hard and will bring a lot of go forward, especially when we need it.
“Her brother Will had a great experience here at the Club, and Pani is looking forward to the challenge.”
Out of respect to Hopoate and her current commitments at the Roosters, the Bulldogs will not be making any further comment until the commencement of her commitments with the Club in the 2025 pre-season.
