Bulldog Will Hopoate will not play rugby league on Sundays for religious reasons

BULLDOGS star Will Hopoate will sit out three straight Sunday games in the middle of the season — and is unsure whether he would play in the grand final — due to his staunch devotion to the Mormon faith.

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CANTERBURY Bulldogs star Will Hopoate will not play or train on Sundays because of his staunch devotion to his Mormon faith.

Hopoate will sit out three straight Sunday games in rounds 10, 11 and 12 against the Wests Tigers, Roosters and Canberra Raiders and is unsure whether he will play in the grand final if the Bulldogs go through to the decider.

The NSW State of Origin star has the full backing of coach Des Hasler and his teammates, whom he informed of his decision at a team meeting at Belmore this week.

Bulldog Will Hopoate told coach Des Hasler of his decision late last year. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Teammates became suspicious when Hopoate didn’t turn up for training on a Sunday two weeks ago. As a joke, several told Hasler they were going to convert to be Mormons to escape Sunday training sessions.

Hopoate has revealed he told Hasler of how his commitment and loyalty to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints would stop him from playing Sundays when the pair were negotiating his contract at the Bulldogs late last year.

Hasler kept it a secret until his fullback had the opportunity to explain it to the players. Only chief executive Raelene Castle, his manager Tyrone Smith and Hopoate’s family knew.

“This was another big draw card in me wanting to come to Canterbury,” Hopoate said.

“I understand that Des or the club could have said no without hesitation. But for him to understand and he’s told me this, that he recognises this is what gets me going, what makes me happy — living my beliefs. I’m very grateful for that.”

Will Hopoate: “It’s a holy day reserved for holy ­activities like attending church and studying the scriptures.”

Hasler said the Bulldogs would always stand by Hopoate and his beliefs.

“This is what makes Will so special,” Hasler said. “His beliefs distinguish him. This is what makes him tick. We are very proud to have such a person within our walls.

“To deny something that is so fundamental to a person is to deny that person the right to be who they are.”

Hopoate quit rugby league in 2012 for two years, turning his back on $1 million in contract earnings to embark on his religious mission.

He returned to the Parramatta Eels before joining the Bulldogs at the beginning of the season.

As for playing in a grand final if the Bulldogs make it to the October long weekend, it is something ­Hopoate will discuss with ­Hasler at the time.

The 23-year-old said he chose not to play on Sundays because of the church’s belief that Sunday is the Lord’s day.

“A day set apart each week for rest and worship,” he said. “It’s a holy day reserved for holy ­activities like attending church and studying the scriptures. Also, where possible, we abstain from work and recreation.”

Hopoate added he made the decision late last year with his wife and family.

He is hoping Bulldogs supporters accept his decision.

“I’m not too sure what to expect from the fans,” he said.

“I’d hope they support my decision as my teammates have, which I too am very grateful for.

“I can’t control what others say about me and decisions I make. I just feel in my heart this is right and thanks be to God for providing a way for this to happen.”

HOPOATE ORGANISES LIFE AROUND CHURCH

WHILE most of us go to the footy, the beach, shopping or out for lunch on Sundays, Will Hopoate has his own routine he religiously sticks to.

“I attend my church service with my wife in the morning which goes from 9.30 to 12.30. During the afternoon, we’d study the teachings of Jesus Christ personally and together.

Will Hopoate is on a mission for the Mormon Church three years ago.

“Sometimes we go out visiting people who may be having a hard time in their life or spend time with family members. Then occasionally in the evenings there are other inspiring gatherings that we attend.”

You get the impression he spends as much time on his religion as he does rugby league.

He’d have it no other way.

“Every Monday night is dedicated to what we call family home evening,” he said.

“It’s a time for families to unite through scripture study, prayer and doing fun activities together,” said the player. “Another night during the week there’s a time set to do what we call ‘going to the rescue’ — going out visiting people who may be physically, spiritually or emotionally unwell and offer any help we can.

“Then obviously, Sunday is a day dedicated to worshipping God. Also, we strive to respect the bodies we’ve been blessed with by not drinking any alcohol and taking harmful substances like tobacco and illegal drugs.

“It really isn’t a sacrifice because the blessings we receive are greater than anything given up.”