Hopoate's bid to save Tonga league role

Former international John Hopoate has reportedly petitioned the NRL appeals committee in his bid to be allowed to continue as assistant coach of Tonga's national rugby league team.

With the NRL saying Hopoate was not a fit and proper character to coach Manly's SG Ball side, his case against the league is listed for mention on Tuesday in the NSW Supreme Court.

According to Fairfax Media, while he wants the court to decide whether the NRL has jurisdiction over the NSWRL-run under-18 competition, his barrister Julieanne Levick has asked to seek leave to appeal the decision made by NRL integrity unit chief Nick Weeks to reject Hopoate's registration with the NRL.

Lack of NRL registration means he is not permitted to help coach the Tongan side.

"It's in the interest of justice for the NRL to be properly informed on this matter prior to making any ultimate decision on point and not form a view, not having even met the man," said Levick.