LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
Local junior Lipoi Hopoi kicked off his NRL career with a bang last Friday night, helping the Bulldogs secure a dominant 32-2 victory over the Newcastle Knights.
Hailing from the St.
George Dragons in the Canterbury Bankstown District Junior Rugby League (CBDJRL), Hopoi has been on the radar for quite some time.
After cutting his teeth in the Harold Matthews, SG Ball, and Jersey Flegg Cups - where he hoisted the Premiership trophy in 2023 - the young gun finally got his shot at the big time.
With 33 games under his belt at the NSW Cup level, including an impressive run of nine matches this season, Hopoi was chomping at the bit for his NRL debut.
He put in the hard yards during the preseason and earned his call up to the first grade squad.
Teaming up with childhood mate Bailey Hayward, who he's been playing alongside since they were knee-high to a grasshopper, Hopoi took to the field with confidence.
The two lads have been through the Canterbury pathways together, and their chemistry was evident from the get-go.
"I've grown up playing with Bailey since I was five, and to be out there with him was something special," Hopoi said post-game.
The young forward's performance on debut left fans and critics alike impressed, with many predicting a bright future ahead for the local prodigy.
Keep an eye on this rising star, folks - he's definitely one to watch.