Teenager Lehi Hopoate credits one piece of advice for putting him on the path to achieving something no one else in his record-breaking family has managed.
"Just don’t be scared. That's it," Hopoate says.
"My dad (John) told me that one."
Hopoate has been a breakout star for Manly this NRL season, scoring nine tries in the 12 games since his round-12 debut.
So good has his form been, he has emerged as a genuine contender for the NRL's Dally M rookie of the year award, with Lachlan Galvin and Max Plath ineligible.
It's a feat none of his siblings has achieved, with the family the first in history to have five siblings play in the NRL or NRLW. Will, Jamil and Albert have gone before him in the NRL while Pani plays for the NRLW's Roosters.
Lehi Hopoate is more like his softly-spoken older brother Will than his outspoken and at-times controversial father John.
So it's no shock he laughs off any suggestion of rookie of the year honours, despite teammates believing it would be well deserved.
But Hopoate does credit his upbringing, as the eighth of 11 children in a storied football family, for the way he has entered first grade.
"With my whole family I have a big support system on how to play my game and how to have a good game," Hopoate said.
John's "fearless" advice has been evident in everything the 19-year-old has done.
Hopoate was initially handed a six-week train-and-trial deal with Manly's NRL squad over the summer, before impressing enough to stick around.
Usually a fullback and centre growing up, he has made a wing spot his own for the past month.
Defensively he has been sound, and in attack he has combined silky ball skills with a dangerous step.
For a teen with a relatively light frame, his physicality has never been an issue..
"There’s heaps of challenges I’ve faced, the biggest one is probably physicality," Hopoate said.
"The boys are much bigger and stronger than me. I’m a lot sorer after the games. I have to use my footwork to get in, get down and get a quick play-the-ball.
"Good ball defence has been a challenge, when teams are coming at me and I have to make the right decision.
"As a fullback, you don’t really have to worry about that."
Hopoate is ready and willing to revert to fullback as a one-week cover for Tom Trbojevic on Sunday against Cronulla, as Manly push for a home final with a win.
Tolu Koula is another option at No.1, potentially allowing for fewer changes in the backline given Jason Saab is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks with a high ankle sprain.
"It doesn’t matter if it’s me or Tolu, both of us can do a good job at fullback," Hopoate said.
"(I have been working with Tom) since pre-season. He’s probably the best fullback in the game right now.
"To learn off him every week, every day and it’s been big for my career."
