In 2023, we signed a lad from Penrith named J'maine Hopgood with the intent of him being a diamond in the rough of the Penrith system. It proved to be a good call.
Coming in to replace the middles that left the year prior. Hopgood got the start at Lock in Round 1, playing full 80mins plus golden point in only his 10th NRL game. He handled his own and showed the makings of a future cult hero. He had times where his body was still getting used to full time FG, he was added to the bench then added back to starting Lock position, getting better and better each week.
He demonstrated strong running, quality work rate and offloads. He was able to get 2-3 into a tackle then release an offload, collapsing the ruck and creating mismatched outwide. 56 offloads in 2023, with Origin selection in sight for the future and a leader in the middle.
Then 2024 comes and Hopgood starts off well, scoring a nice try in Round 2 v Penrith. He gets Queensland Origin selection in game 1 and gets manhandled in tackle, resulting in damage to nerves in his back that required surgery ending his 2024 season. It turned into a momentum stop for Hopgood in his career — a turning point.
Fast forward to 2025, Hopgood becomes part of the leadership group and extends til 2027. Though on the field he has been and is still a shell of himself. Going from playing 72 mins in the shellacking by Melbourne in Round 1, to now averaging 47 mins per game. For a starting middle it seems sort of the norm but at Lock he is averaging less minutes than Paulo and Williams. To now getting placed on the bench being the 2nd in the rotation after Tuivaiti. His minutes are getting lower, his stats are limiting and today he went to a simple role of just playing as a Prop type role only managing 7 runs for 49 metres. He has gone from 123m in 2023 to 116m in 2024 to now 72m average. Offloads have dropped from 56 to 21 and now 14. Defensively he has been pretty good to be fair with his stats staying similar, however when playing less mintues than year prior he has less time to make defensive errors which lowers his stats but still great overall.
The question i have overall is what is the future for Hopgood?
He was signed til 2027 when Ryles arrived, added to the leadership group, yet his role seems to be deminishing as the season goes with Walker being the preferred starting Lock.
Ever since his lone Origin appearance he has not been the same since. He is declining in this system and is regressing, not leading by example. One thing on Hopgood's side is age he is 26 this year, plenty of time to change things. Though it is concerning the trajectory at the moment. Ryles has seemed to have improved players this year, though Hopgood has not. Now not saying to move him on ashe could come good but confidence is so low it is going to take time to get back to close to his 2023 form.
Will Ryles look elsewhere and move Hopgood on? Very unlikely for 2026, but 2027? Maybe as we have some forward coming through who could take the job off him. Does Ryles make him a Prop and a simplified type of player? Does Ryles just keep him as a bench rotational player? But then again it seems we may have enough of them with Moretti and Tuivaiti being the bench middles with Walker and Da Silva the bench also.
Let's say we decide to try and shop Hopgood, not saying that happens just hypothetical, would he gather a fair bit of interest? I think he would. Not saying that happens nor the club should do that but is what he does offer in terms of value to other clubs.
If Hopgood is in the plans of Ryles he needs to pick-up quick as it could be the patience of Ryles is wearing thin for Hopgood.
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AI Overview
J'maine Hopgood has extended his contract with the Parramatta Eels, keeping him with the club until the end of the 2027 NRL season. Initially signed with the Eels for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he has now added two more years to his commitment.
Hopgood's extension comes amidst a rebuild for the Eels under new coach Jason Ryles. Despite the team facing some departures, Hopgood's decision to remain with the club is seen as a crucial retention for Parramatta. He expressed his love for the club and excitement to continue representing the Blue & Gold.
In his time with the Eels, Hopgood has become a key member of the forward pack, proving to be a valuable asset to the team. His commitment to the club is a positive sign for the Eels as they look to rebuild.
I'm puzzled as to why Hopgood game is not in sync with Jason style of play, he definitely has future and is contracted until 2027 - so I think he need to simply his role and he Jason, the coaching need work out how rk get the best from Hopgood. Although its a curious in nature you dont give up on SOO player.
You'd think Hopgood's style and Ryles' style would be pinpoint. Not much to add. But seems it just cannot seem to sync.
Yep,, Hopgood played his best footy under BA - but can't seem to click I to gear yet
Stick to your own words and thoughts Mickey. His case is not going to be identified by AI, a lot of intuitive type issues.
Hopgoods form chos that of Paulo DB and Moses all over the place for some reasons or another in the last 2 years the lack of consistency from the mentioned has mirrored how the teams gone.Key pieces have been out fo form.Now wheather this is by injury or suspension I don't know but we better find some answers and quickly.
His attack hasn't been the same since that origin and his injury. Seems to have lost leg-speed and confidence.
Great blog LB! I think Hopgood is playing injured and will get his back to the same standard of what it was preinjury. So only see him playing front row at this stage. Next week Dylbags and walker will share the lock position. Hopgood to front row and Williams to an edge. Guymer needs to go back to reserves. No idea whom is available for the other edge position.
I wouldn't even think about letting Hopgood go just yet so what he not as good as last year just give him another year or 2 to see if he improves if he does keep him if not see u later
While watching that game I could think of no reason why he was selected for Qld.
I think a big contributor to his drop in form this year was his back injury. He got next to no pre-season because of it, and then has played virtually every match this season. You only need to be a couple percent off in the NRL to be out of form and you can't downplay the lack of a pre-season for a guy still in the early parts of his career.
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