NRL: Hopoate battle with NRL takes bizarre turn

John Hopoate. Photo / Getty Images.

John Hopoate's battle with the NRL has taken another bizarre turn, with the former rugby league bad boy claiming he had been given permission to resume coaching.

Hopoate took to Facebook on Thursday night to claim the governing body had allowed him to return to his post as Manly's under-18s SG Ball coach.

"I'm Back, NRL asked if we can withdraw our court proceedings cause they don't have jurisdiction over SG Ball. So I can coach this week cheeho!!

#NoHardFeelingsTimeToMoveOnAndLetThePastBeThePast#" Hopoate posted.

However the NRL immediately took to their Twitter account to clarify that no such decision had been made in favour of Hopoate.

"The NRL has NOT cleared John Hopoate to coach Manly's SG Ball side," they posted.
Hopoate's case will appear in the NSW Supreme Court for mention on Tuesday.

The former Manly and Wests Tigers winger is arguing the NRL has no authority to rule on whether he can coach in a NSW Rugby League competition.

However, the NRL say they have advice from NSW Police linking Hopoate with organised crime.

-AAP