Rugby League: Hopaote faces action

Controversial Manly league winger John Hopoate faces disciplinary action from the NRL club after admitting he secretly played in a fifth- grade rugby union match.

Hopoate caused a stir when he went on as a replacement and scored the match-winning try for Parramatta in their 19-17 club rugby win over West Harbour on Monday.

He initially denied playing the rugby game, but yesterday admitted to Manly officials that he had done so, after publicity about the incident.

West Harbour players recognised Hopoate on the field and questioned how he could be allowed to play, while Manly officials were concerned that he had breached his contract terms.