FORMER NRL and Test footballer John Hopoate has been charged with assaulting a person at a Sydney supermarket.

The 42-year-old is alleged to have been involved in an incident at the shopping centre in Crows Nest on Tuesday night.

Hopoate, a father of 10, was forced to withdraw from a coaching position with Manly under 18s because of allegations he was not a fit and proper person.

Earlier this month NSW police were called in to investigate after the former NRL enforcer was showered with beer during the Test match between Samoa and Tonga at Pirtek Stadium.

It’s understood a man threw a beer that hit Hopoate and his son, who were seated at the time, following an exchange of words.

media_camera Hopoate after the incident at the Tonga v Samoa Test. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Hoppa made his NRL debut for Manly in 1993 against the Canberra Raiders and enjoyed early success and a reputation as a try scorer.

But a move to Wests Tigers in the early 2000s saw his playing career cool, including a string of suspensions and in 2001 he caused international uproar after inserting his fingers into the backsides of several players.

Despite defending the allegations by saying he was attempting to give opposing players a “wedgie”, he was suspended for 12 weeks and parted ways with the Tigers as a result.

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Following the Tongan-born player’s departure from NRL, Hopoate announced he would start training in an effort to kick off a professional boxing career.

Hopoate would be crowed Australian Heavyweight champion in 2008 and successfully defended his title three times.

More to come