Bulldogs’ Josh Reynolds says Will Hopoate’s faith can inspire a generation of footballers

BULLDOGS five-eighth Josh Reynolds believes Will Hopoate’s decision to put faith before football will pave the way for a generation to follow in his footsteps.

CANTERBURY five-eighth Josh Reynolds believes Will Hopoate’s brave decision to put faith before football can pave the way for a generation of Mormons to follow in his footsteps.

Hopoate will sit out his first match of the season against the Wests Tigers on Sunday due to his religious beliefs — a move that could spark cultural change in the community according to Reynolds.

“Will is doing it for his faith and I take my hat off to him,” Reynolds told The Daily Telegraph.

Reynolds believes Hopoate’s commitment can help future players.

“There is going to be young Mormon kids out there tossing up if they go to church or play footy and this can inspire and set a tone for them.

“I hope kids look up to Will and take the same path as him.”

Reynolds’ praise for Hopoate comes as fellow Canterbury teammate Sam Perrett revealed he also requested for Sunday games off.

The Kiwi-born flyer recently approached coach Des Hasler about the prospect of missing Sundays due to his Mormon religion, but was denied because it wasn’t negotiated in his contract.

Not that Perrett has any hard feelings towards Hasler for blocking the move.

“Des basically said had we negotiated like Hoppa had done it would have been a different story,” Perrett said.

“But he said we were down on numbers and we are going to need you.

“I appreciated that because I went in there willing to except any answer and I wasn’t expecting anything — I just had to ask.

“Des was good with me about it and he just wanted to have a good chat, which was honest and open.

“I’m glad I can have that relationship and those talks with someone like that.”

Sam Perrett with his kids Sammy Junior (5), Keil (7) and Riley (8).

Perrett may have had his request denied, but he has refused to rule out inserting a “Sundays off” clause in his next contract.

“Oh I don’t know — maybe I will,” he admitted.

With Hopoate to miss Sunday’s match against the Tigers due to his faith, Perrett now has the responsibility of leading the Bulldogs from fullback.

Reynolds has no doubts the veteran outside back will fire from the No.1 jumper.

“People tend to forget Sammy was our fullback for probably two years there,” he said.

“Even though Hoppa has been our best player this year, Sammy will just slot in there. He is a seasoned campaigner and not much fazes him. We’ve got a couple of big games coming up, but he’ll slot in there and be fine.”

Originally published as Bulldogs’ Josh Reynolds says Will Hopoate’s faith can inspire a generation of footballers