Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs fullback Will Hopoate will not be available for the week one elimination final against the Penrith Panthers on Sunday at Allianz Stadium.
Hopoate announced in March that he had agreed with the club at the time that his contract was negotiated that he would not play or train on Sunday’s due to religious reasons.
With Hopoate unavailable for selection, it is likely that Brett Morris will shift to fullback and Coach Des Hasler will make a decision on Tuesday as to who the man to come in on the wing will be.
The Bulldogs can also confirm Sam Perrett will sit out next weekend's elimination final as he continues to battle a neck injury.
The outside back told Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show he will miss the Bulldogs' sudden-death clash with Penrith next weekend.
"Things are on the up but I won't be playing this week. Hopefully the boys can hold on until the week after," Perrett said.
However, interchange forward Sam Kasiano will return for the clash with the Panthers after serving a two match suspension.
