Will Hopoate

St.Helens R.F.C. confirmed the capture of 29-year-old Tongan International Will Hopoate on a two year deal from 2022 – with the option for a third year to be triggered.

The centre, who can also play at full back, has signed from Canterbury Bulldogs where he has played 120 first grade games, scoring 24 times.

Hopoate has been selected to play State of Origin for New South Wales on five occasions including in 2011, as he became the second youngest player behind Brad Fittler to play for NSW, scoring a try on debut.

In 2017 and 2018 Hopoate captained Tonga, playing every game of their stunning charge to the 2017 Rugby League World Cup semi-finals, including scoring a try in their famous win over New Zealand.

He also grabbed the first score of the game in Tonga’s historic 16-12 victory over Australia in 2019, before again impressing in Tonga’s win over Great Britain. Hopoate has made a total of 11 appearances for Tonga – coached by Saints boss Kristian Woolf.

Previously to joining the Bulldogs, Hopoate played 22 times for his hometown club Manly Sea Eagles before moving on to play 38 times for the Parramatta Eels. In total he has made 180 NRL appearances, scoring 45 tries.