[7] Auckland lost 14–32, but the Raiders, who had been looking for a quality winger since the retirement of John Ferguson, saw enough of Hoppe to offer him a contract and he moved to Canberra before the end of the year.
Signed for a five-year contract, he was released by the Auckland Warriors near the end of the 1999 season so he could join St. Helens in the Super League competition.
Having won the 1999 Championship, St. Helens contested in the 2000 World Club Challenge against National Rugby League Premiers the Melbourne Storm, with Hoppe playing at centre and scoring a try in the loss.
He played for St Helens at centre, scoring a try in their 2000 Super League Grand Final victory over Wigan Warriors.
As Super League V champions, St. Helens played against 2000 NRL Premiers, the Brisbane Broncos in the 2001 World Club Challenge.
Sean is currently working as part of Bullgang in the WestConnex M4-M5 Link Tunnels His daughter Kaitlyn Hoppe starred in Season 8 of The Bachelor Australia and came 5th.