He played for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, Parramatta Eels and Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League.

Hopoate was part of the Manly side that defeated the New Zealand Warriors in the 2011 NRL Grand Final[6] where he was denied the opening try but did produce a flick pass that sent Glenn Stewart over the line for a crucial try in the second half.

[citation needed] On 27 November 2019, Hopoate signed a two-year contract extension to remain at Canterbury until the end of the 2021 season.

[18] On 10 August 2021, Hopoate signed a two-year deal with English side St Helens RFC with the option of a third season.

[19] Hopoate made a total of 24 appearances for Canterbury in the 2021 NRL season as the club finished last and claimed the Wooden Spoon.

[20] In round 1 of the 2022 Super League season, Hopoate made his club debut for St Helens where they defeated the Catalans Dragons 28-8.

[21] On 24 September 2022, Hopoate played at centre in St Helens 24-12 Super League Grand Final victory over Leeds.

[26] On 5 June 2011 Hopoate was selected to play State of Origin for New South Wales in Game 2 against Queensland at ANZ Stadium.

[28] He was named at fullback again for the historic first-ever Test match between Tonga and the Australian Kangaroos on 20 October 2018, played in front of a sold-out crowd at Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland.