Lehi Hopoate facing ban for ref collision that threatens to leave Manly's star-studded backline in tatters
Manly have copped a huge blow ahead of their clash with the Titans next Saturday with gun winger Lehi Hopoate set to be suspended for knocking over referee Grant Atkins.
Hopoate was put on report in the Sea Eagles' thumping 46-18 Magic Round win over the Tigers in the 15th minute of the game as he barrelled into the back of Atkins while chasing a kick downfield.
The referee quickly got back to his feet after hitting the ground and allowed play to continue but informed Hopoate he was on report at a scrum shortly afterwards.
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He was slapped with a grade two contrary contact charge on Sunday, which carries a 1-2 week suspension.
Hopoate scored the Sea Eagles' third try moments after he was put on report to extend his try-scoring streak to seven games. He's the first Manly player to score in seven straight games since Brett Stewart in the 2000s.
Lehi Hopoate runs into referee Grant Atkins and knocks him to ground. FOX Sports
The Sea Eagles' gun winger has now scored nine tries from 10 games this season and will be a big loss for his team at a time when they are likely to be without Haumole Olakau'atu and potentially Tolu Koula, with both considered likely picks for Laurie Daley's State of Origin series opening NSW team.
If Hopoate accepts the one match ban and Koula is picked in the Blues side it will leave Kieran Foran without three of his electric first choice back five, with superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic sidelined by a hamstring injury. However, if Hopoate chooses to challenge the charge he runs the risk of a two-game suspension.
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Wide World of Sports understands Trbojevic is back running two weeks ahead of schedule but he is unlikely to be available until round 14 at the earliest - a Thursday night clash against the Rabbitohs on June 4.
Manly's likely back five for Saturday's round 12 clash with the Titans will be Clayton Faulalo at fullback, Jason Saab and Blake Wilson on the wings and Josh Feledy and Reuben Garrick in the centres - a far less daunting prospect than what Foran has been working with since taking the reins.
