Hopoate ditches Sunday footy for church

Canterbury Bulldogs recruit Will Hopoate is set to shock the NRL by standing down from games on Sundays due to religious reasons.

According to News Corp, Hopoate will sit out three straight Sunday games in rounds 10, 11 and 12 against the Wests Tigers, Roosters and Canberra Raiders due to his Mormon faith.

The NSW State of Origin star reportedly has the backing of coach Des Hasler and CEO Raelene Castle.

He told Hasler of his desire to sit out playing and training on Sundays when the pair were negotiating his contract late last year.

"This was another big draw card in me wanting to come to Canterbury," Hopoate said.

"I understand that Des or the club could have said no without hesitation. But for him to understand and he's told me this, that he recognises this is what gets me going, what makes me happy — living my beliefs. I'm very grateful for that."

Hopoate quit rugby league in 2012 for two years to embark on his religious mission. He returned to the Parramatta Eels before joining the Bulldogs at the beginning of the season.