Will Hopoate's decision to opt out of playing NRL games on Sundays could cost the Canterbury star his NSW State of Origin jumper, says Blues skipper Paul Gallen.
In accordance with his Mormon faith, Hopoate will sit out Canterbury's round-10 match against Wests Tigers and the round-11 fixture against Sydney Roosters before the NSW side is picked on May 24.
Gallen said it would deny Hopoate the chance to continue pushing for one of the Blues' hotly-contested wing spots at an important time.
"I think he might struggle, to not play for two weeks leading into Origin that is tough, but that is his decision," Gallen said.
"You have to commend him on one hand and for sticking solid in his beliefs. But on the other hand you are playing a team sport and you know others rely on your input as well, so that is a tough one."
Hopoate struggled on the wing in the Blues' series loss last year, but has been one of the NRL's form players over the opening month of 2016.
NSW's other incumbent winger Brett Morris will miss the entire Origin series due to a knee injury.
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