Hopoate in hot water

The often controversial career of Manly winger John Hopoate is again in the balance after he was today cited by the National Rugby League for a number of incidents stemming out of the Sea Eagles? big loss to Parramatta yesterday.

The most serious charge coming out of the loss is an accusation that Hopoate abused a touch judge at the conclusion of the game. He has been ordered to head straight to the judiciary and will not be given the opportunity to enter an early guilty plea.

If found guilty, he is facing another lengthy suspension.

Hopoate was also charged following a fight with Parramatta?s Craig Stapleton mid-way through the first half but will escape suspension with an early plea.

Manly may also lose forward Kylie Leuluai to suspension, with the forward facing between one and two weeks on the sidelines for a grade three careless high tackle.

The tackle on Michael Vella prompted calls for Leuluai to be sent from the field but he remained in the match after video referee Tim Mander viewed replays of the incident.

Newcastle may be without Adam Woolnough for a week if pleads guilty to a grade two striking charge, but will miss two games if found guilty at the judiciary.