Stat Attack: Hopoate producing huge numbers despite centre switch

He's leading the Telstra Premiership for most carries in the game but a high work rate is nothing new for Canterbury utility Will Hopoate despite a switch of positions in recent weeks.

The emergence of Nick Meaney at fullback has switched the Bulldogs' most consistent outside back to the centres but the work output hasn't affected him.

Where some clubs struggle to utilise their centres enough in the modern game, Hopoate leads the competition for most carries on 134, three ahead of former Bulldogs teammate David Klemmer, who has seen an increased volume of work since joining Newcastle.

The 26-year-old has averaged 138.4 metres per game since shifting to the centres in round three.

His overall numbers are on track with his personal best totals since joining the club in 2016.

"I just enjoy being around the ball and try to help the side out as much as I can," Hopoate told NRL.com.

"There's no pre-meditated number I think about or anything like that and I don't think it matters where you are on the field.

"Some players pick and choose their time to get involved and that's OK too."

The Bulldogs are chasing back-to-back wins for the first time in 2019 on Saturday afternoon but are wary of a depleted Sea Eagles outfit missing the likes of skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic and Jorge Taufua, and coached by former Canterbury mentor Des Hasler.

"We're not going to be complacent, it's been hard for us to notch a few wins together this season," Hopoate said.

"Especially playing under Des I know what he brings. They've been winning without Tom Trbojevic and have guys there who can do a good job."

Hopoate, a former Sea Eagle himself, said the players at Canterbury held no grudges towards their former coach who was let go ahead of the 2018 season in bitter fashion.

"It's been almost two years now since that happened, everyone's moved on," he said.

"It is what it is. He's a great coach and has got the boys performing their roles there well.

"A lot of teams he's coached they focus on defence. We're expecting a physical battle and for them to turn up defensively.

"I think that's what has won them a lot of games this year."