A rising NRL star has found himself on the wrong end of a world-class roasting, delivered by an unlikely source: his own sister.
In a video that has gone viral across social media, Manly Sea Eagles outside back Lehi Hopoate is approached by his sister, who appears to be a keen fan asking for an autograph. The 21-year-old, son of former league bad boy John Hopoate, happily obliges, signing his name with a smile.
But the punchline arrives moments later, delivering a brutal blow to the young player's ego. Instead of keeping the signature, his sister immediately scrunches the paper into a ball and casually tosses it over her shoulder onto the floor, leaving Lehi in stunned, laughing disbelief.
The savage prank, a clear indicator of the no-nonsense dynamic within the famous rugby league family, has been met with delight from fans and commentators alike. It showcases the down-to-earth humour that exists even when your last name is Hopoate and you're forging a path in the NRL.
Lehi, who made his first-grade debut in 2023, is part of a formidable footballing dynasty. His father, John, played for Manly, Wests Tigers, and NSW State of Origin, though his career was often overshadowed by controversy. His older brothers, current teammate Jamil and former star Will Hopoate, have also had significant NRL careers.
This viral moment proves that despite the fame and on-field accolades, at home, you're never safe from a sibling's wicked sense of humour.
