Rugby League: Hopoate suspended for nine matches

Another lengthy suspension for rugby league bad-boy John Hopoate.


The Manly winger has copped an eight-match ban, for making derogatory and threatening remarks to match officials at the weekend.


The judiciary has also thrown in a ninth match for good measure, after finding Hopoate guilty of contrary conduct for fighting with Parramatta forward Craig Stapleton.


Stapleton has escaped punishment for his part in the dust-up.


The ban effectively puts Hopoate on the NRL's death row, with his contract up at the end of the season.


His career suspensions now total 28 weeks, and it is unlikely Manly will offer him a new deal.

- Newstalk ZB