Rugby League: 'Zip it' warning to Hopoate

Manly wing John Hopoate has been warned to keep his mouth shut when the Sea Eagles host the New Zealand Warriors tomorrow night.

Hopoate was cautioned by referee Steve Clark for verbally abusing North Queensland second rower Paul McNicholas in Manly's season-opening 30-20 loss in Townsville.

He was reprimanded by coach Peter Sharp at a meeting this week and has vowed to bite his tongue when Manly return to their spiritual home at Brookvale Oval.

"The coach has spoken to me and told me to zip it - and I will zip it," Hopoate said.

Everything he did on the field was now under scrutiny, he said, especially after his suspension in 2001 for inserting fingers in the backsides of tackled opponents.

"Some people want to make a big deal about everything I do."

Hopoate was a model player for Manly (then the Northern Eagles) last year and was voted club player of the year, resurrecting his career after a troubled year at Wests Tigers.

He said he managed to control his emotions last year, but was "a bit frustrated" on Sunday.

Sharp warned the veteran he would not tolerate a repeat performance against the Warriors.

"I told him we have to be disciplined. The shame was he was the best player on the field," Sharp said.

Hopoate, who had a run-in with referee Clark during a pre-season match, admitted he went "a little overboard" last weekend.

Meanwhile, five-eighth Ben Walker, who strained knee ligaments against the Cowboys, is expected to play tomorrow night after passing a medical test.

Walker, the NRL's leading points scorer in 2001, will take the goalkicking duties despite missing two kicks against the Cowboys.

Jason Ferris missed three more while Walker was off injured, allowing North Queensland to prevail despite being outscored five tries to four.

- NZPA

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