Sea Eagle lock Jamil Hopoate is to fight assault charges laid against him over a pub incident on Sydney's northern beaches last February.
The 19 year old briefly faced Central Local Court Tuesday morning accused of two counts of assault and one of affray.
"The charges are being defended, yes," his barrister Julieanne Levick exclusively told Triple M NRL.
However, the lawyer for his co-accused John and Luke Akaula, stated they will plead guilty.
The trio were allegedly involved in a brawl, injuring two other men outside a pub in Market Lane, Manly.
It's not the first time the son of former Manly star John Hopoate has gotten into trouble. He was previously was sacked by the Parramatta Eels for failing to show at the NRL's roockie camp, as well as making headlines for a nude planking stunt, and DUI.
At this stage the Brookvale club is sticking by their man, while Ms Levick believes the incident won't have an effect on Hopoate's playing career, going on to say it's "never been better".
The matter will be back in court September 9th.
