LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Albert Hopoate, an uncontracted outside back, is nearing a deal with a new club for the 2026 season after being released by the Canberra Raiders. This follows his farewell along with five other players at the end of the current campaign.
A member of the well-known Hopoate family, Albert has played for the Canberra Raiders over the last four seasons, participating in 37 matches and scoring 13 tries. He previously spent a year with the Manly Sea Eagles in 2020.
During the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he featured in 29 matches combined but had a disappointing 2023, appearing in just one first-grade game after suffering a ruptured ACL in reserve-grade play in March.
With young talents Savelio Tamale and Jed Stuart surpassing him in the selection hierarchy and the club's acquisition of Sione Finau from the St George Illawarra Dragons, Hopoate found himself without an extension offer from the Raiders.
According to The Mole from Wide World of Sports, Hopoate has effectively signed with the Warrington Wolves in the Super League, pending a medical examination.
At just 24 years old, he aims to make an impression under the guidance of Warrington's coach Sam Burgess. As a Beacon Hill Bears junior, Hopoate is at the beginning of his career and is hopeful that a successful stint overseas will facilitate his return to the NRL, especially with two new teams expected to join the competition in the near future.