Bulldogs debutant brought to tears after breaking the news to his emotional mother who responded in the most heartwarming way possible
- Came off the bench and produced huge meters in big Bulldogs win
- It was a debut to remember with his whole family in the stands
- Club has released a video of the emotional moment he told his mother
The Bulldogs have discovered a star of the future in Lipoi Hopoi and now the club is sharing the emotional moment he told his mother he would be making his NRL debut.
Hopoi spent years toiling in the reserves for the Sydney Roosters and Bulldogs before finally getting his chance against the Knights on Friday night.
He also grabbed the opportunity with both hands, coming off the bench to play 38 minutes and produce a whopping 15 runs over 121 meters in the 32-2 win.
And he had plenty of support in the stands, including his mother who he told the day before he was going to achieve his NRL dream.
Bulldogs debutant Lipoi Hopoi lets tears flow as he tells his mother he’s earned a chance at the NRL
As soon as Lapoi called his mother, her instincts kicked in and she immediately asked, “What’s going on?” How are you?’
After reassuring her that he was fine, Lapoi then asked if she was bringing the family to watch him play in the reserve against Newcastle.
She confirmed that they all arrived and left “around three or four o’clock.”
“No need to mother because I’m going to make my NRL debut,” he said.
His mother’s reaction would bring a tear to a glass eye.
“Oh my god, are you serious Lipoi?” she asked as she burst into tears.
‘Are you happy?’
He replied, “Yes, it still hasn’t dawned on me.”
“Oh my god Lipoi, this is everything you worked for,” she said, still crying.
“Please let me say a short prayer for you.”
Hopoi has toiled for the Bulldogs in the reserve grade and made the most of his NRL debut with 15 runs 121 meters off the bench
Hopoi’s mother said his late Nana (pictured) would be so proud of the work he put in to achieve his NRL dream
As Lipoi’s mother began her prayer, reality set in for the Dogs’ newest player and he began to cry, too.
The tears continued to flow as Lipoi’s mother said, “Your grandmother would be so proud of you.”
His grandmother recently passed away and his social media profile features an image of him with her to honor her memory.
“Take this opportunity, son,” his mother said.
“You worked so hard for this. I’m so proud of you…my heart, I can’t stop.’
The emotional exchange also brought tears across the football world, with even non-Bulldogs supporters looking misty-eyed at the video.
“What am I going to cry about this in a food court in Westfield?” someone asked.
“Bro made me cry, what an incredible player and a great debut he definitely played, he has such a bright future,” wrote another.
“I love these videos but there’s always some asshole chopping onions nearby when I watch them,” another added.