SBW backing Hopoate but NRL won't budge

John Hopate. Photo / Getty

Sonny Bill Williams is backing John Hopoate but the NRL aren't backing down.

The NRL has declared the case that led to controversial Hopoate being stood down as Manly under-18 coach is "closed".

Manly last week came under pressure to remove Hopoate from his post after it was revealed the club and NRL integrity unit received advice from the NSW police organised crime squad that he was not fit to work with juniors.

Hopoate was stripped of his role on Monday after the stand-off between the club and the governing body finally came to a head after the Sea Eagles were threatened with heavy sanctions: a $30,000 fine and the loss of competition points.

Williams tweeted his support for Hopoate last night.

"Let the past be the past, Seems like hoppa wants to use it in a positive way and we need more islander coaches coming through the grades," the All Black and former NRL star said.

Let the past be the past, Seems like hoppa wants to use it in a positive way and we need more islander coaches coming through the grades.

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) February 23, 2016

42-year-old Hopoate is running out of options with his barrister indicating he could take the matter to court and he could also decide to take his case before the NRL Appeals Tribunal.

Hopoate called on the NRL to present any evidence of his involvement in criminal activities, pleading with the game's bosses to "give me a go".

However NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said on Tuesday the governing body would not budge on refusing to allow the Sea Eagles to employ Hopoate as a coach.

"I think we've made it pretty clear, the integrity unit has provided some information to them and I think that's now closed," Greenberg said on Tuesday.

Hopoate amassed a lengthy rap sheet during a controversial playing career with Manly, Wests Tigers and Northern Eagles and was infamously suspended for 12 weeks for poking North Queensland opponents in the rectum with his fingers.

His tumultuous career came to a premature end in 2005 when he was banned for 17 weeks for a horror high shot on Keith Galloway.

He was also fined and placed on a good behaviour bond in a Sydney court after pleading guilty to an assault while working as a security guard at a Kings Cross nightclub in 2011.

Hopoate coached the Sea Eagles' SG Ball side in their first-round loss to Newcastle last weekend.