Parramatta Eels forward set for Origin debut.
He was part of the Maroons’ extended squad last year.
A Parramatta Eels front is allegedly set to make his State of Origin debut for Queensland after catching the eye of head coach Billy Slater.
Hopgood left the Penrith Panthers in search of other possibilities after struggling to secure a regular berth on the roster.
He was linked with a number of NRL teams (including the North Queensland Cowboys), but ultimately signed with the Parramatta Eels in 2023, where he has achieved career-best form.
He was appointed the 18th man in Game 3 of last year’s Origin series, after previously representing the state at the Under-18 and Under-20 levels.
With Queensland set to be without Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Tom Gilbert, Kalyn Ponga, Corey Horsburgh, and Thomas Flegler for this year’s opening game due to injury, the lock now has an opportunity to make his Origin debut.
The 24-year-old has emerged as a favorite to come off the interchange bench, competing with Kurt Capwwell, Jai Arrow, Moeaki Fotuaika, Felise Kaufusi, and Jadyn Su’a, among others. “Absolutely I am looking at him,” Slater told The Courier Mail about Hopgood.
“J’maine was in our team for Game Three last year, and he was part of our 34-man squad in Brisbane at the start of the season.
“He was just outside the 17 last year and I’m impressed with his performances for Parramatta and his consistent actions.
“You don’t get invited to camp because it’s a holiday or you have won a raffle ticket, you have to earn it and J’maine is certainly in that category of earning his opportunity to be involved in the squad.”
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