Becoming one of the club’s key players in 2017, the Canterbury Bulldogs have re-signed fullback Will Hopoate for a further three seasons.
The new deal sees him stay with the Bulldogs until the end of the 2020 season and in it, he will be playing on Sundays moving forward.
The signing is one that has pleased Club CEO Raelene Castle who praised Hopoate and his commitment to the club.
“It is fantastic news for the club that we have been able to sign Will for a further three seasons,” she said.
“Will is a quality player and person who has embraced the Bulldogs family culture.
His experience and leadership at the back will be of great value over the coming seasons. We are delighted to have him back on board.”
In the end, it was a relatively easy decision for Hopoate who said he, along with his wife, wanted to stay.
“I’m very happy and very grateful,” the fullback said.
“I enjoy where the club is heading and I want to be a part of it. My wife and I always wanted to stay.”
Having played under Des Hasler for much of his career, he initially signed with the Bulldogs to reunite with him and his re-signing also made sense for that reason.
“Des was a big reason as to why I first came here,” said Hopoate. His knowledge
“His knowledge off the field and the time he has invested in me, especially regarding my faith, is something I appreciate.”
With the addition of both Aaron Woods and Kieran Foran in addition to his re-signing, Hopoate is keen to play alongside the duo once more and looks forward to doing so from 2018.
“I have played with Aaron and Kieran at club and representative level,” said Hopoate.
“They’re both quality players and they’re going to add so much to the club, it was another reason as to why I wanted to stay.”