Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs fullback Will Hopoate has re-signed with the club for a further three seasons.
The deal will keep the talented back at the club until the end of the 2020 season and will also see the fullback available for Sunday matches as part of the contract.
“I’m very happy and very grateful. I enjoy where the club is heading and I want to be a part of it. My wife and I always wanted to stay,” Hopoate said.
The former Origin winger first arrived at Belmore in 2015 and his desire to reunite with Des Hasler was a driving factor behind his move to Canterbury.
“Des was a big reason as to why I first came here. His knowledge off the field and the time he has invested in me, especially regarding my faith, is something I appreciate,” Hopoate said.
The re-signing of the 25-year old comes off the back of the club announcing the signings of Aaron Woods, Kieran Foran and Fa'amanu Brown over the past couple of months.
“I have played with Aaron and Kieran at club and representative level. 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,” added Hopoate.
The fullback has been impressive in his return from a facial injury suffered early in the season and over the last month has averaged 21 runs, 183 run metres and five tackle breaks per game
“In some ways I do feel like I am playing some of my best footy, but at the same time I know there is room for improvement. I am going to continue to work on my individual goals and KPI’s to better the team,” said Hopoate.
The Bulldogs will host the Penrith Panthers on Sunday at ANZ Stadium and despite not getting the result over the past three matches, Hopoate knows the belief within the playing group is a s strong as ever.
“I feel we are a resilient group. The past couple of weeks haven’t gone our way, but we’re not throwing in the white towel at all. We’re training hard, we’re focused and hopefully we can come away with the win this weekend,” he added.
