Rugby League: Hopoate opts out over finger poking scandal

SYDNEY - Controversial winger John Hopoate, banned for 12 National Rugby League matches for sticking his fingers up opponents' backsides, yesterday resigned from the Wests Tigers club.

Hopoate issued a statement through his manager Wayne Beavis, saying his decision was in the best interests of the club, their sponsors and supporters.

The 27-year-old Hopoate, a teetotaller Mormon with five children, has been in trouble with the NRL disciplinary commission seven times in the last four years, usually for fighting.

His announcement followed widespread publicity over his appearance before the NRL judiciary last week when he was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct in jabbing his fingers into North Queensland players' anuses.

"I sincerely regret that anything I may have done has caused stress, anxiety and disappointment to everyone involved with the West Tigers," Hopoate said.

Hopoate said his resignation had been accepted by Chalk and he would not comment further on the matter.

"My only request is that my family and I be left to get over the events of this traumatic week and our privacy be respected."

Beavis said there had been no decision on whether Hopoate's resignation from the club equated to his retirement from the game.

"He's very emotional. He's not in a position to be sitting down talking about what he's doing for the next six months," Beavis said.

Beavis said Hopoate's contract with the Tigers would have expired at the end of the season.



Kiwi prop Craig Smith, a victim of Hopoate's finger tactics, believes the Wests Tigers player got what he deserved when he was handed a 12-match suspension.

Smith was speaking before Hopoate's announcement yesterday. Other players, including Brisbane Broncos Wendell Sailor and Michael De Vere, have said Hopoate did the same thing to them.

"He got what he deserved at the judiciary," said Smith. "I think behaviour like that can't be tolerated."

- NZPA