Canterbury captain James Graham hopes Will Hopoate's decision to play Sunday matches will give the Bulldogs a much-needed boost ahead of their clash with the Sydney Roosters.
Devout Mormon Hopoate will play his first Sunday game for the club, since signing in 2016, against the the second-placed Tri-colours as the Bulldogs look to stay in the top eight.
They also have a difficult State of Origin period ahead, where they are certain to lose forwards David Klemmer and Josh Jackson to NSW selection, and potentially winger Brett Morris.
They also have two more matches on Sundays in the next seven weeks, which Hopoate had originally planned to skip due to religious beliefs.
Graham expects Hopoate's decision to heed the Bulldogs' request and play them would provide a significant boost both physically and psychologically heading into the difficult period.
"It's a real boost going into this week," Graham said.
"I think it's great for us. We're all delighted."
Canterbury have already been without Hopoate for six matches this season but he returned to his best in his first game back from a serious facial injury, in round nine, when he topped 300 running metres against Canberra.
"He was playing out of his skin," Graham said.
"The nature of the injury that he had and to perform like that. Most people would forgive him for dipping his toe in a little with that.
"But he really went after the game. He was outstanding."
Hopoate's decision comes as he attempts to negotiate a new deal at the club.
The former NSW Origin representative is keen to stay with the Bulldogs, and teammate Brett Morris said he'd like to see a deal completed.
"He's an outstanding player and a player a lot of clubs would love having," Morris said.
"He's quite young and could potentially play here for another couple of years."
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