George Francis ... article from 2014
Giant George Francis aims to be even bigger
He is the Australian Schoolboys star who weighs 110 kilograms, can bench press 150kg and is only 15.
Oh, and did we mention that he is Will Hopoate's first cousin?
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Looming large: Bulldogs prospect George Francis is just 15. Photo: Anthony Johnson
Meet George Francis, one of the most exciting young talents in rugby league. The Westfield Sports High star is literally one of the biggest things in junior footy and has the pedigree to go all the way.
After a stint in the Parramatta junior system, Francis is contracted to arch rivals Canterbury and is a member of that club's exclusive high-performance unit.
There is plenty of sporting talent in this family. His 16-year-old sister, Masani, plays netball for NSW. And having watched his cousin, Will, and uncle John Hopoate, the former Sea Eagles powerhouse, make the big time, good judges believe Francis is poised to do likewise.
''I want to follow in their footsteps and make it too,'' said Francis, one of the main reasons his Mounties team have won the past seven titles.
He has already overcome his share of adversity to take the footy field. He broke an ankle so badly in an under-13s game that doctors told him he would never play rugby league again.
However, he proved them wrong and, despite still having plates in his leg, has come back stronger than ever. The big forward can already squat 180kg and was the player of the tournament in a NSW schoolboys competition.
The Bulldogs tried to sign him up for three years but his agent, Mario Tartak of Crown Sports International, agreed to only two, knowing his client would be hot property when next off contract.
''We actually knocked back higher offers because we thought this was the best opportunity for him to develop,'' Tartak said.
Like William Hopoate, Francis is a devout Mormon and begins every day with bible studies before squeezing in his school and footballing commitments.
''He doesn't stop eating,'' chuckled his mother, Loretta. ''He doesn't party, he doesn't put distractions like that before his football and other priorities.''