The 19-year-old Manly star scored a try on debut but had to leave the field midway through the second half of the Blues' series-levelling 18-8 win at Sydney's Olympic stadium.
Hopoate has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a grade-two tear, which will see him miss the series decider in Brisbane.
"He is having further scans today but he is out of Monday's match against Parramatta and could miss up to six weeks," Manly coach Des Hasler said.
Hopoate's try against the Maroons was a stunning put-down in the corner and Hasler said he had no doubts his charge would handle the rigours of Origin football.
"No one in this organisation had any doubts - he's a footballer and a special one," Hasler said.
"It's a shame he suffered an injury on the big stage but he will be back and show the benefit of his Origin experience."
Hasler will now choose between Michael Robertson and Michael Oldfield to replace Hopoate on Monday night.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, state-of-origin, australia, nsw, sydney-2000 First posted June 16, 2011 12:20:00
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