Manly elevate young gun, set to be handed extension

He has already played twice for Tonga.

WRITER | December 12, 2024 - 10:12am

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The Manly Sea Eagles have reportedly elevated one of the competition's best young players to their Top 30 roster and are set to lock down his services for the foreseeable future.

Debuting in Round 12 against the Melbourne Storm, Lehi Hopoate took the competition by storm and followed in the footsteps of his father, John Hopoate and brothers, Albert, Jamil and Will Hopoate, by playing in the NRL.

Having risen through the club's junior ranks from a young age, the energetic utility back made 14 total appearances before capping off his first season with two international Tests for Tonga at the 2024 Pacific Championships.

According to 10News, Hopoate has been elevated from the development list to the club's Top 30 roster for 2025. This comes after he started his career on a train-and-trial deal.

Hopoate will also remain at the Northern Beaches for the foreseeable future. In the coming weeks, an announcement will be made that he has agreed to a long-term contract extension.

Manly CEO Tony Mestov said on SEN Radio, "You'll see an announcement soon about a long-term extension."

In his first-grade showings this season, he scored nine tries, provided six try assists, made 47 tackle busts and ten line-breaks and averaged 125 running metres per game.

Lehi Hopoate in action. (Photo: Flickr- @NAPARAZZI)

Hopoate's elevation means the club only have one vacant spot left on their Top 30 roster for next season due to the arrival of teenage cross-code star Joey Walsh and forwards Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jazz Tevaga.

Michael Chee-Kam (South Sydney Rabbitohs), D'Jazirhae Pua'Avase (North Queensland Cowboys) and Chris Patolo (Canterbury Bulldogs) have also joined the club but will either be on a development or train-and-trial contract.