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Hopoate ignores Origin selection hype

Hopoate ignores Origin selection hype

Two years ago Will Hopoate was in dazzling form for Manly Sea Eagles and at just 19 years old, he was rushed into a Blues jumper to become the second youngest NSW State of Origin player.

After returning to the NRL this year having completed his Mormon mission, no one could blame Hopoate for expecting to be in the frame again after his dazzling performance in 2011.

But despite all the hype, Hopoate says his attention is placed solely on Parramatta, his new club.

"It would be a dream come true again if I could play [Origin], but I'm really focusing on the blue and gold at the moment and what I can do to hopefully benefit the team," Hopoate told Yahoo7 Sport.

NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley has admitted Hopoate would struggle to make the shortlist for selection at this point, but with Origin I still an month away, there is still time to make a claim.

Since his shock exit from the NRL, in peak form off the back of winning a premiership with Manly, Hopoate has slowly been finding his feet again.

Naturally, it hasn’t been an easy transition.

"A lot of the strength of the players and the speed of the play has increased," Hopoate said.

"I'm still getting the body and the mind around it.

"With each week comes a bit more confidence within myself and I’m just enjoying playing footy again."

During his two-year mission in Queensland with the Church of Latter Day Saints, Hopoate was restricted from watching and even playing rugby league, but was still being recognised by league-mad fans during his door-knocking rounds.

"It's a religion in itself up there so that was exciting," Hopoate said.

Hopoate credits new coach Brad Arthur for his role in getting him back to his best, and while it hasn’t been an easy trek, the Eels centre has no regrets.

"It wasn't something I wasn't pressured or forced to do and my heart is filled with gratitude that I did that," he said.

For now Hopoate is confident 2014 might be the year the Eels get back into playing finals footy and bring Parramatta fans some joy after back-to-back wooden spoons.

"Good things take time. We’re really trying to build a positive, upbeat mentality around here having a good attitude, so it really depends on us and the attitude we take week in, week out."

Will Hopoate spoke to Yahoo7 Sport thanks to Adidas Australia