Watch out rugby league world, there’s another Hopoate wanting to make it to the top grade.
Eighteen-year-old Liesl Hopoate just finished two years of representing NSW Under 19s in State of Origin (2025, 2026) and is now on the lookout for a start in the NRLW.
She was disappointed in the 22-18 loss to Queensland at North Sydney Oval last Thursday night, but she’s more baffled that the Hopoate name is not bringing better luck to the Blues.
Match: NSW U19s v QLD U19s
Round 1 -
home Team
NSW U19s
away Team
QLD U19s
Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Her cousin, Bulldogs and Tongan prop Pani Hopoate, was in the 2023 NSW Under 19s side, but also suffered a loss to the Maroons (20-14).
“I don’t know what’s happening,” Hopoate said laughing. “I thought my family was OK at footy.
“Well, we did win (26-10) last year but now that’s two losses."
Liesl’s uncle is former Kangaroos 1995 World Cup winger John Hopoate, and her cousins have all had journeys in rugby league – Origin winger-centre Will, Jamil, Albert - who is currently scoring tries for Warrington in Super League, Pani and Lehi, who currently plays for the Manly Sea Eagles.
“It does bring a little bit of pressure in that I have older cousins who’ve played first grade or are still playing first grade,” Hopoate told NRL.com.
“But they don’t put that pressure on me. I have the same surname on my back and that’s a privilege I want to live up to.”
She played Lisa Fiaola Cup Under 17s with Manly, then went to Illawarra Steelers for Tarsha Gale Cup (Under 19s), then to the Roosters and Mounties to play NSW Women’s Premiership – reserve grade for the NRLW – and this year she is back at the Steelers.
“I’m a utility player as I like centre, wing, and fullback," Hopoate said.
"I don’t want to narrow it to just one, so wherever someone needs me I will play there.
“I’m working towards getting to the NRLW … just give me the contract and I’ll sign.”
Rising star: Liesl Hopoate
Hopoate was one of seven players backing up for the 2026 NSW Under 19s after playing in 2025.
“This week has been really good for setting a culture straight away,” Hopoate said.
“Every training session our coaches prepped us really well and then when we came from the field, we learned about what wearing this jersey means.
“We talked about those who have gone before us – I thought of my cousins – and those still to come.
“We all want to leave it in a better place than we found it. I hope I’ve done that.”
Hopoate played netball before switching and then staying in rugby league.
“I preferred the free-flowing game of rugby league," Hopoate said.
"I like the feeling of accelerating in some open space or getting into the tackles to let your frustrations out.”
