LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
It was a tough call for Raiders star Albert Hopoate to sit out the first round in Las Vegas, but the impending arrival of his first child made the decision a no-brainer.
As he prepares for sleepless nights without his beloved caffeine fix, Hopoate knows he'll have to find a way to power through.
"I enjoy my sleep, but once baby arrives, it'll be minimal.
I don't drink coffee, but I'll figure something out," Hopoate shared with The Canberra Times.
As a devout Mormon who doesn't consume caffeine, the challenge of being a first-time dad without the energy boost of coffee is very real.
Thankfully, Hopoate can rely on his large family for support, including his dad, former NRL player John Hopoate, who knows a thing or two about juggling fatherhood with rugby league commitments.
With 11 siblings and soon-to-be eight grandchildren, the Hopoate family has plenty of wisdom to share.
Expecting a baby boy on March 6, Hopoate couldn't risk missing the birth by being in the US with the Raiders for their round one clash against the New Zealand Warriors on March 2.
For him, family always comes first, and he was determined to be there for his wife and child during this special time.
"I thought it was best to stay and be here for my wife and baby, especially the first one.
Family is everything to me," he explained.
With his priorities set, Hopoate is ready to tackle fatherhood with the same determination he shows on the rugby league field.