Hopoate’s First Nations debut ends Patrician Brothers’ unbeaten run
With a Wests Tigers scholarship in hand and a family name synonymous with rugby league, Monson Hopoate already has the rugby league world watching.
At just 15, the powerful outside back has achieved great success with his teammates as part of the undefeated Patrician Brothers, Fairfield team.
But it was mate versus mate on the footy field as Monson switched sides to play against his team in the inaugural clash between Patrician Brothers and a Sydney Catholic Schools U15s First Nations team.
Monson, who has a cross-cultural background with Tongan heritage on his father’s side and Aboriginal heritage through his mother, is still new to learning about his Aboriginality.
“It was important to me, representing my culture, my mum’s side,” he said.
Guided by his family and his school, Monsoon and his younger brother Arthur, in Year 7, have embraced the College’s First Nations program with enthusiasm, helping to lead the way.
And he’s not the only one. A total of six Patrician Brothers players lined up for the Indigenous team alongside Monson: Koby Hugo, Maxximus Defina, Korokai Dargan, Sani Tuiletufuga and Bainyn Wood.
They ultimately brought an end to Patrician Brothers undefeated run, beating them 26-16.
“I think I scored two or three tries,” Monson said. “I’m not sure. I don’t keep count.”
“It was fun versing all the boys, talking trash, having a little laugh on the field,” he said.
“You don’t really get that normally because you’re usually so serious in the game. It was really good.”
Patrician Brothers Principal, Peter Wade says Monson’s pride in his heritage is matched by the pride the school community takes in his achievements.
“He is a gifted athlete …
