Rugby league was the last thing on Will Hopoate’s mind during his two-year Mormon mission. Then he inadvertently knocked on Queensland backrower Sam Thaiday’s front door.
Banned from reading newspapers and watching television, Hopoate had no clue of the rugby league world he had left behind as he spread the word of God in Brisbane from 2011-13.
But Thaiday revealed he couldn’t resist giving Hopoate a quick update on all things league when the NSW flyer surprisingly came calling.
However, Thaiday admits he won’t be so accommodating in Wednesday night’s State of Origin game two in Sydney as a desperate Queensland look to exploit NSW’s new-look right edge featuring a recalled Hopoate.
Hopoate’s decision to turn his back on the NRL at the end of 2011 with the rugby league world at his feet is well documented.
But what is not common knowledge is Hopoate tried to spread the message to Thaiday as a Mormon missionary.
“Yeah he did knock on my door,” Thaiday said.
“He didn’t watch any footy so I filled him in on how it was going.
“It’s good to see someone like that go away from our game for a period of time and come back, still be a fantastic player and make a rep team again.
“It just goes to show what a fantastic young talent he is.”
But NSW will be hoping Hopoate will make a bigger impact on Thaiday on Wednesday night.
“No, he didn’t convert me,” Thaiday smiled.
“And we didn’t try and hide when he knocked on the door. We were very nice and polite.”
Hopoate shouldn’t expect similar treatment in Origin II.
Thaiday admitted NSW’s new right edge of winger Hopoate and rookie centre Josh Dugan were in Queensland’s sights as they looked to keep their quest of nine straight series wins alive.
Hopoate and Dugan have replaced the injured Brett and Josh Morris for game two, setting up an ominous showdown with Maroons strike weapons Greg Inglis and Darius Boyd.
“They have those two new guys on our left hand side,” Thaiday said.
“We’ve got some great players in Darius and GI on that side so it would be silly for us not to target them.
“But our whole game plan won’t centre on that.
“We know it will be a tough hard battle through the middle first.
“All Origins are. It’s a forwards battle first and then the backs do all the flashy stuff and look good.”
up in the north
Guest
It could be that Hopoate the older is digitally enhanced. ;-) Nyuk nyuk nyuk
twodogs
Guest
Just imagine if he did convert- would that then make him ' good thaiday' ??
Tom Daly
Guest
I avoid religion religiously especially Mormons. I reckon his old man would not get a run in the "doorknockers" team. You'd wonder where the finger that rang the bell had been !
Grey nurse shark
Guest
It is a football thread so why post the article in the first place, anyway looks like offended too many people as my other post have been taken down, shame on you people and roar, so its fine to bully players about theyre form or other issues, yet you make a couple of comments about a cult based religion and look out, i bet if i was marldon my post would remain!!!!
Jeffrey
Guest
Its quite sad reading these comments. Polygamny is no longer practiced among members of the "Mormon" faith. A lot more research needs to be done on your behalf 'Grey nurse shark'. It's great seeing Will being the example that he is, he has proved himself to be a consistent player which outweighs the critism on his personal beliefs.
up in the north
Guest
I just hope he's up for it. I still think he hasn't had enough time back in the NRL yet, not doubting his ability, but it's a whole other level playing Origin (stating the obvious much) I wish him well though, seems like a nice kid. Maybe he could get a few tatts and get done for drink driving to make more people like him.
Sam
Guest
Well, nah, probably not Nurse. Why would us reading about the Mormon church tell us what problem you have with it? How are we supposed to know which aspects of their religious doctrine bother you? This is a footy thread anyway. Take it to another forum.
Bearfax
Roar Guru
I'm no Mormon. Not even religious. But I respect other people's rights to their beliefs as long as they are personal and don't harm or interfere with others rights to believe something different. Religions bring out the best and the worst of us. Will's actions were motivated with the best of intentions and therefore he should be commended. Religious radicals on the other hand are a danger to our society and should be treated with distain. Religion in politics is a danger because it enforces the beliefs of some upon others directly and indirectly. Walking around the streets defining your beliefs to others on the other hand is good for developing an understanding between the various belief systems.
Parrafan
Guest
Agree Eaglejack. Who would you rather a bloke like will who whilst faithful isn't ramming it down your throat in league interviews. (he can do what he likes on his own time, even if that includes mormon mission) or a bloke like Fergusson coping a feel from some young girl because she was 'asking for it'. WIll is a hard worker, well spoken and an exceptional talent and if he's a mormon what does it matter.
arron
Guest
Why is dugan centre and hopoate wing? ? Doesn't make sense?
soapit
Guest
from the headline i thought this meant john hopoate had tried to convert thaiday
soapit
Guest
eagleJack
Guest
Who cares? I personally have a problem with every religion, but that doesn't stop me from having the utmost respect for a young kid like Will who lives a clean and healthy life. And is happy. To have the focus and knowledge in his own ability to go on a mission and return to be at the top again is very impressive.
Sportnut
Guest
Years ago when I lived in Sydney, Elder Shawn Bradley, NBA player, knocked on the door. Bradley was VERY tall, very THIN, and very GINGA. Spent 10-15 mins talking Bball. about 1 min on mormanity As for your issues Shark, next time they knock tell them your all good cos your Jewish. If they doubt you show em your bris scar sand they WILL run and never come back.
Jimbo Jones
Guest
It reflects quite poorly on you to put down his beliefs. I may not share his religion, but I think good on him for sticking to his beliefs.