Coach Des Hasler has denied a request from stand-in Canterbury fullback Sam Perrett to join Will Hopoate in sitting out NRL matches on Sundays, in accordance with his religious beliefs.
Earlier this season Hasler granted Hopoate leave on Sundays so the devout Mormon could observe the Christian Sabbath.
After learning of that stance Perrett, who is also of the Mormon faith, asked Hasler if he could follow suit. But the request was turned down.
Perrett revealed the request on Tuesday, five days before Hopoate misses his first Sunday match of the season against Wests Tigers.
"I actually had a chat with Dessie about that and I would have liked to have done that for sure," Perrett said.
"It really stirred something in me because we obviously believe the same things but it never occurred to me to ask.
"But Dessie said this was something that was prearranged (in Hopoate's contract) before he came so I appreciate that and understood that.
"I have played Sundays all my career so it wasn't a big drama for me."
Penrith's Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is another NRL player who has indicated he would consider sitting out Sundays to observe his religious beliefs.
Perrett said Hopoate's stance had influenced a number of NRL players.
"Absolutely it sure has. I know that for myself," he said.
"Once he told me I went home and I was thinking about it all night.
"I am just grateful that I have that relationship with Dessie that I was able to go and chat with him about it and he was really good about it too."
Perrett will replace Hopoate at fullback for the ANZ Stadium clash with the Tigers.
With Brett Morris also sidelined, Perrett is the Dogs' third choice fullback, something that influenced Hasler's decision.
"Des said we are down too many troops," Perrett joked.
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