The whole process took its time as Will Hopoate and his former club the Parramatta Eels sorted out some contractual and off-field issues but the dust has settled, as Hopoate signs with the Canterbury Bulldogs.
The deal for Hopoate at the Dogs is for two seasons, as he joins the arch rivals of his former team Parramatta, where he played for two seasons.
Playing in a total of 60 NRL games to date, his signing is one that has Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle excited.
“Will is an exciting young player who has already achieved so much in the game,†Castle said.
Adding to that was coach Des Hasler, who knows how good Hopoate is and the experience he can bring to the table.
“Will will be a valuable and experienced acquisition for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and I look forward to him joining the club.†Coach Des Hasler added.
Keen to put the past incidents behind him, Hopoate is looking forward to life at the Bulldogs and the adventures he will experience at the club.
“Yeah, I’m excited,” said Hopoate.
“Looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead and to be under Des again is exciting.”
With his Mormon faith something that is near and dear to Hopoate’s heart, routine and structure are two elements he utilises.
“I enjoy being in a routine and getting back into the pre-season,” said Hopoate.
The former Manly and Eels centre chose the Bulldogs for its history, culture and to further himself in his career.
“It’s a strong club and I’ve played with a few of the boys at Origin level,” said Hopoate.
“I’ve been mentored by Des in the past and so it’s great to be here to see what lies ahead.”
Having work with Hasler previously during his time at Manly, the transition to the Bulldogs for the representative centre will be made easier.
“He knows how to coach me,” said Hopoate.
“He has a very good footy mind and mentality and I’m going to be a sponge and take in as much as I can.”