---

Warrington Wolves Land Canberra Raiders Outside-Back Albert Hopoate on Two-Year Deal

Warrington, UK / October 2025 — Warrington Wolves have bolstered their backline by signing exciting outside back Albert Hopoate from the Canberra Raiders on a two-year contract. Hopoate, aged 24, joins the Wire ahead of their 2026 campaign after completing a rigorous independent medical test.

---

Player Profile & Background

• Name: Albert Hopoate
• Previous Club: Canberra Raiders (NRL)
• Age: 24
• Strengths: Speed and agility; capable of breaking the line and finishing tries. He’s tallied 13 tries in 42 NRL appearances, plus an additional 14 tries in 31 NSW Cup games.
• Recent Setback: Suffered a ruptured ACL in March during the 2025 season. The injury ended his season, but rehab appears to have progressed well enough for Warrington to proceed.

---

What the Move Means

For Warrington Wolves, this signing represents both ambition and depth:

• Adding X-Factor in the Outside Backs: Hopoate brings pace and finishing ability, traits that can stretch defences. His arrival provides options out wide and competition for existing backline players.
• Recovery and Potential: Coming back from a serious injury, Hopoate is likely viewed as a player with significant upside. Warrington seem confident in his medical recovery, having passed rigorous testing.
• Part of a Broader Recruitment Drive: He is the Wolves’ fourth new signing ahead of the 2026 season — joining the likes of Liam Byrne, Toafofoa Sipley, and Tevita Pangai Jr. The club appears focused on strengthening multiple positions.

---

Quotes from Key Figures

• Albert Hopoate:
  

  “I feel blessed for the opportunity to join Warrington and it’s a move myself and my family are really excited about. After a difficult season this year I’m looking forward now to getting back playing and enjoying my footy. I believe my best years are coming up in front of me now. I’m excited to get over, meet my new teammates and the fans, and experience what Super League is all about. It’s a fresh challenge and one I’m ready to embrace.”

• Sam Burgess (Head Coach, Warrington Wolves):
  

  “Albert is a great signing for us here at Warrington. We’re looking forward to welcoming him into our group and for him to develop his game over here in Super League.”

---

Challenges & Outlook

• The major risk is the ACL injury: adapting to its recovery and ensuring it doesn’t impair speed or agility will be vital.
• Adaptation to Super League: Although Hopoate has proven in Australia’s competitions, he will need to adjust to the different style, pace, and physicality of the English game.
• Integration: With multiple new signings coming in, team cohesion will be key. How he slots into the backline—whether as a wing, centre, or utility outside back—will affect how quickly he establishes himself.

---

Conclusion

Albert Hopoate’s arrival at Warrington Wolves signals a bold move by the club to inject pace, threat, and depth into their outside backs. While there are inherent risks—especially post-injury—the upside is substantial. If all goes well, Hopoate could become a major asset for the Wolves in Super League 2026.

---