Will Hopoate confirms recruit Nick Meaney is fighting for Dogs debut

Will Hopoate has spent the off-season training at centre, opening the door for Canterbury to play rising recruit Nick Meaney at fullback.

Matt Logue

less than 2 min read

February 28, 2019 - 8:26AM

William Hopoate confirmed he’s spent most of the pre-season at centre. (AAP Image/Daniel Munoz)

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Will Hopoate has spent the off-season training at centre, opening the door for Canterbury to play rising recruit Nick Meaney at fullback.

Hopoate says he has been blown away by Meaney this summer, particularly his blinding speed.

He believes the Ballina Seagulls junior who excelled at Newcastle last season is in contention to start 2019 in the No.1 jumper.

“Credit to Nick, he has been outstanding,” Hopoate told The Daily Telegraph.

“He has worked really hard this pre-season.

William Hopoate confirmed he’s spent most of the pre-season at centre. (AAP Image/Daniel Munoz)

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“I didn’t realise how fast he was until he came to the club.

“He has been in open space a few times at training and he just left everyone for dead.

“He is training the house down, so I can’t speak more highly of him.

“I’ve been training most of the pre-season in the centres.

“I enjoy it there. I’ve been training a bit at fullback as well, so I actually don’t know what Dean is going to do to be honest.

Nick Meaney is fighting for a Round 1 berth for the Bulldogs.

“There are options there, so I guess time will tell.”

Hopoate says the Bulldogs are perfectly placed with a cast of emerging players like Meaney, Lachlan Lewis and Reimis Smith.

“I think the future is definitely bright,” he said.

“There are a number of young guys coming through who really want to make a name for themselves.

Hopoate has shuffled between centre and fullback throughout his career. (AAP Image/Michael Chambers)

“They all have the ability to do that. If we can keep them all with a level head, I’m sure good things will happen for us.

“It’s exciting for the club.

“Last season was a tough year for the club but I think we have all put that behind us now and I think the boys are ready to rip in.”