Will Hopoate’s decision to opt out of playing NRL games on Sundays could cost the Canterbury star his NSW State of Origin jumper, says Blues skipper Paul Gallen.
In accordance with his Mormon faith, Hopoate will sit out Canterbury’s round 10 match against Wests Tigers and the round 11 fixture against Sydney Roosters before the NSW side is picked on May 24.
Gallen said it would deny Hopoate the chance to continue pushing for one of the Blues’ hotly-contested wing spots at an important time.