J’maine Hopgood was on top of the world, carting the ball up with Queensland leading 20-10 in his State of Origin debut, when he came crashing back down to earth — literally.
And to make matters worse, it was a former teammate standing over the top of him.
In a night that delivered few highlights for NSW Blues fans, second rower Liam Martin provided one in the 65th minute when he flattened Hopgood in a tackle which was described in commentary as an “Origin special”.
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“He was saying a lot of things that I can’t repeat here, that’s for sure,” Hopgood told foxsports.com.au, laughing.
“A lot of swear words.”
While Hopgood struggled for opportunities at the Panthers, playing just nine NRL games before his move to Parramatta, the 25-year-old was still able to develop a strong friendship with a number of Penrith’s top grade players, including Martin.
So, Hopgood is the first to admit his former teammate “got the better of” him on that occasion.
“But he can have the shot,” the Queensland debutant added.
“I can have the win.”
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The win was the perfect ending to what was already a special night for Hopgood, whose rugby league career began one day as a seven-year-old in Hervey Bay.
That same day his father, Dale, died of a heart attack.
Hopgood said Queensland coach Billy Slater told him after his debut that not only was he proud but that there would be someone watching from above who would be pretty proud too.
“Having my family and partner here tonight is unreal. They’ve been with me the whole way,” Hopgood said, adding he had only just reflected with family in the sheds after Wednesday’s game on how far he has come since his early days at Penrith.
“Two years I was playing reserve grade in Penrith and growing up in Hervey Bay, no one has ever played first grade let alone for Queensland.
“That just goes to show any kid out there that has a dream and wants to work hard and stays dedicated that anything can happen. I’m just so happy I can be an inspiration for any young kids out there, not just from Hervey Bay, but anywhere.”
Hopgood’s mother Anita, who was in tears when he first walked onto the field with his Queensland teammates, told Channel Nine it was “unreal” to see her son rewarded for all his hard work.
“Everybody is so proud of him,” she said. “He deserves it all.”