Hopoate, Trbojevic and Haumono – three of the most famous names to have pulled on the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles jersey.
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They’ll do so again in Saturday’s trials against the Western Rams, as the next generation of the famous families come through Manly’s junior ranks.
They won’t be the only famous families on show at Dubbo’s Caltex Park either, there’ll be a Johns and a Mundine running out for Manly as well.
Talk about some serious rugby league pedigree.
Albert Hopoate, John’s son and Will’s brother, will run out alongside Ben Trbojevic, the younger brother of Tom and Jake, Maile Haumono, Solomon’s son, and Anthony Mundine’s nephew CJ in Manly’s Harold Matthews Cup side.
Cooper Johns, the son of Newcastle Knights premiership-winning five-eighth Matthew and nephew to arguably the greatest player to ever take the field in Andrew, will wear No.6 in Manly’s SG ball side.
They’ll take on Western’s under-16 and under-18 squads, respectively.
VIDEO: Check out the barnstorming highlights of Albert Hopoate from last year’s Harold Matthews Cup.
The expectation on the quintet is no doubt huge, it’s oft an unfortunate by-product of a renowned surname, but all five are set on carving their own path.
“We don’t really talk about it,” Trbojevic told NSW Rugby League, when asked if he and Hopoate ever discuss their older brothers.
“We just want to make a name for ourselves.”
Both agreed the influence their families have had on them has been invaluable though.
“That’s been everything,” Hopoate said of Will’s guidance.
“He’s always been there, always tries to come to my games and tells me where I need to improve.”
“It’s pretty cool, watching them on the field,” Trbojevic said.
“I want to play NRL when I’m older and they’re really good, they always take me to games and tell me how I can improve.”
Saturday’s under-16 game kicks off at 4.40pm, followed by the under 18s clash at 6.30pm.
Matt Findlay
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
Formerly a sports specialist, I'm based at Orange and shift between wide-spread range of subjects here and, often, across the entire Central West region of NSW as well. I have almost a decade of experience in the media and marketing industries both here in Australia and internationally, along with journalism I have experience in content strategy, brand development, and digital and social media. Along the way, I've been fortunate to win a handful of media awards and be nominated for several others too.
