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Hopoate won't watch Sunday NRL games

Canterbury fullback Will Hopoate has confirmed he won't even watch NRL games on Sundays.

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Source: AAP


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Will Hopoate's devotion to his religion stretches so far that he won't even watch Canterbury play on Sundays.

The Bulldogs have three consecutive NRL games on Sundays in May and June which Hopoate, a devout Mormon, has already confirmed he will skip, but he now says he will also be unable to watch them live or on television.

"I'll be at church and visiting people that may or may not need help," he said.

"I'll obviously do a bit of video with the boys and watch the replays.

"But I'll just go about my normal Sabbath day."

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However it won't stop him travelling to Melbourne this Sunday ahead of the Bulldogs' clash with Melbourne on Monday night.

Hopoate was linked with the Storm before he signed with the Bulldogs last December, and he indicated they appeared happy to enter into a similar arrangement.

Canterbury's Sunday clashes with the Wests Tigers and Sydney Roosters fall in the weeks preceding State of Origin selection, and given the City-Country fixture is also on a Sunday, his decision could hinder his NSW chances.

And while the grand final is also played on a Sunday evening, Hopoate is unsure whether he will play if the Bulldogs make it.

"I've spoken with Des but we've got to get there first before we start thinking about it," he said.

"That's something we will sort out when the time comes."

The 23-year-old also admitted he was nervous before telling teammates of his decision to miss Sunday matches but said they understood the situation.


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