This article has been transcribed without permission from The Manly Daily, Thursday, 11th May, 1995, page 28.
Tackle-busting winger John Hopoate has become the first Sea Eagle included in the Norwich Rising Star class of 1995.
Hopoate's devastating performance against the Sydney Bulldogs at Parramatta Stadium on Monday night gave the judges no other option. The panel of Ian Heads, Frank Hyde and former Australian captains Ian Walsh, Reg Gasnier and Wally Lewis were unanimous in their nomination of Hopoate after Manly's 26-0 win.
League immortal Gasnier said Hopoate had enormous potential. ``If he keeps improving the way he has this season there is no reason why he cannot take another step up and play representative football,'' Gasnier said.
The rookie award is now open to players aged 23 and under who have not started in more than five first grade games before the start of the 1995 season. The criteria was changed this year to ensure that players who had been given a run in first grade the previous season would not be ruled out of contention.
Manly second-rower Steve Menzies found himself ineligible for the award last season because of the old rules, despite a stunning debut season for the Sea Eagles that culminated in Kangaroo Tour selection.
The 1995 Norwich Rising Star winner will be announced on September 18. He will win a $10,000 investment portfolio.
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