Now is the time for Sione Hopoate to forge “his own legacy”, and burst from the shadow of his famous family.
That was the declaration of Broncos centre Delouise Hoeter, as he braced to line up alongside the powerful winger and convince coach Michael Maguire they are a part of the club’s future.
Hopoate will be one of several club hopefuls who have been on train-and-trial deals under Maguire, and will battle the Burleigh Bears on Saturday. Between his father, John, and brothers Will, Lehi, Albert and Jamil, the Hopoate family boast 460 NRL caps.
Sione Hopoate got a preseason opportunity with the Broncos both in 2024 and 2025.Credit: NRL Photos
The Broncos have history converting trialling players into NRL talent, with Tristan Sailor, Tyson Smoothy and Josh Rogers garnering opportunities. Sailor ultimately signed a three-year deal with Super League powerhouse, St Helens.
Hopoate’s breakout Queensland Cup campaign last year finished with him leading the competition for post-contact metres (1259 at 62.95 a game).
And Hoeter declared 26-year-old Hopoate’s strength and development had him on course to become a deputy to incumbent flyers Selwyn Cobbo and Jesse Arthars – with his next test coming against Burleigh winger and one-time Parramatta Eel Lorenzo Mulitalo, the twin brother of Cronulla star Ronaldo.
“He’s his own person. He stands on his own, he knows there’s been a past, but he’s making his own legacy for himself and doing a great job here,” Hoeter said of Hopoate.
“He gets to make a statement on the weekend for himself. He’s gotten stronger, he came pretty high up in the biggest improvers in the club for our testing.
“He’s making the most of his opportunity. I know the family will be proud of him, and I’m sure all 20 of them will be there at Burleigh.
“He’s really good for the club – he’s a joker, but when it’s time to roll up the sleeves he’s really good at doing that too.”
Delouise Hoeter on Sione Hopoate
While Brisbane’s backline selections appear a fait accompli – Cobbo and Arthars to be joined by Kotoni Staggs and Deine Mariner – Hoeter stressed the club would need to emulate the full-squad mentality the Penrith Panthers have pioneered.
The Broncos’ depth was called into question last year, particularly among their forward pack, as Payne Haas’ injury woes compounded the losses of Thomas Flegler (Dolphins), Kurt Capewell (Warriors) and Keenan Palasia (Titans).
Tristan Powell made his NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm last year.Credit: NRL Photos
Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura the only recognised edge forwards in the squad before Jack Gosiewski’s mid-season move, but Hopoate’s fellow train and trialist, Tristan Powell, has earned his chance to show Maguire he could bolster their stocks.
While 23-year-old Powell typically plied his trade at prop – earning an NRL debut for the Melbourne Storm last year – he has been named to partner Jaiyden Hunt in the second row against Burleigh.
Hoeter said Powell had shown his ability to assume multiple roles, which would prove a feather in his cap should Maguire call on reinforcements in 2025.
“Tristan’s just a tough worker, we’ve seen he’s come from the Melbourne system, and he’s one who’s not going to let you down,” he said.
“Tristan can fill in anywhere, and I think that’s probably the advantage for him – he can fill quite a few spaces, whether it’s in the back row or the middle.”
