Des Hasler has added another piece to Canterbury's 2018 NRL puzzle, after the Bulldogs secured the signature of Will Hopoate for the next three seasons.
Having already lured Aaron Woods and Kieran Foran to the club for next season, Hopoate confirmed on Friday the coach who gave him his debut at Manly in 2010 had been instrumental at keeping him at the club.
"He's obviously played a big part," Hopoate said.
"He was a big part in why I decided to come here.
"His knowledge off the field and his time he invests in me off the field and in regards to my faith is something I really appreciate."
Crucially, the 25-year-old's deal does not include a Sunday clause, meaning he will not skip games on the Sabbath for religious reasons as he did in 2016.
That option was removed from his contract last month, amid negotiations to keep the devout Mormon at the club in 2018.
As such, Hopoate insisted he always wanted to remain a Bulldog but the decision to stay wasn't always an easy one.
Hopoate formed a combination with Foran at Manly, where the pair won the 2011 grand final together the youngster played in a number of positions.
He has also played State of Origin for NSW alongside Woods in 2014 and 2015.
"That was another reason I wanted to stay - I like where the club is headed," Hopoate said.
"I've played with both of them before at club or representative level. They're both quality players and they're going to add so much to the club."
The Bulldogs were facing intense salary cap pressure to keep Hopoate, but they subsequently confirmed five-eighth Josh Reynolds will join Wests Tigers next year.
Hooker Michael Lichaa and centre Kerrod Holland are among the Bulldogs whose futures remain in the air, while contracted forwards James Graham and Aiden Tolman deny they could be forced elsewhere.
Hopoate arrived at the Bulldogs from Parramatta in 2016 as a NSW Origin representative, and has scored eight tries in 27 matches for Canterbury.
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