Hopoate to quit Manly for Mormon missionary

[Spartan - Dragon]

Hopoate to quit Manly for Mormon missionary

Adrian Proszenko

May 13, 2011

Becoming a Mormon missionary ... William Hopoate, pictured with his father John. Photo: Simon Alekna

Manly whiz kid William Hopoate will today announce his decision to take a two-year break from the NRL to become a Mormon missionary.
The Sea Eagles have called an urgent press conference at the Sydney Academy of Sport regarding an update "around one of the game's rising stars and his immediate future".
Despite lucrative offers from half a dozen rival clubs, the deeply religious Hopoate will turn his back on the rich dollaes on offer to follow his faith.
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Hopoate hinted at the move in a recent Sun-Herald interview when he said: "I'm deeply religious, and the missionary service is something I'm taking into consideration.
"I'm weighing up my options but it's important to me."
The son of Manly legend John Hopoate, William is considered such a hot prospect that he was considered an Origin bolter despite playing less than half a dozen NRL games. The 19 year old made his representative debut for City last weekend.
The decision is a massive blow for the Sea Eagles, who were desperate to retain him.
Hopoate will follow in the footsteps of his uncle, Albert, who left the Sydney Roosters in 2005 to fulfil his missionary duties




Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/...-missionary-20110513-1elc2.html#ixzz1MBxgdeCp








wow...​

 

[YEHHHBOYYYD]

Wow.

That's just a bit of a shock.

 

[ghostface]

Big loss to the game. He is one of the best prospects of our game. The kid has made a tough decision, much respect!

Hopefully he returns from his mormon mission and converts to the St George ministry... where he will be praised by loyal followers every weekend.

 

[Steel Dragon]

Good on him.

Not my cup of tea, but good to know that there are plenty of footballers more concerned with things other than money.

 

[muzby]

such a shame he didn't go to canterbury first, then do his pilgrimage..


so many potential great jokes about switching from doggy to missionary...

 

[Drew-Sta]

Good on him.

Not my cup of tea, but good to know that there are plenty of footballers more concerned with things other than money.

Agreed.

 

[redvscotty]

such a shame he didn't go to canterbury first, then do his pilgrimage..


so many potential great jokes about switching from doggy to missionary...

So he's gone from spread eagling to missionary instead?

 

[STG 002]

such a shame he didn't go to canterbury first, then do his pilgrimage..


so many potential great jokes about switching from doggy to missionary...

that's f**king funny.

 

[gUt]

Good on him.

Not my cup of tea, but good to know that there are plenty of footballers more concerned with things other than money.

Well if he was doing something of any worth to the world I would agree. But it's a waste of two years of the kid's life. It's a tragedy.

 

[big pat]

religion is a personal choice, i guess he shows guts for making a decision, just hope he doesn't get in a argument with father ted about it.

 

[Steel Dragon]

Well if he was doing something of any worth to the world I would agree. But it's a waste of two years of the kid's life. It's a tragedy.

Do you know what's involved in missionary work?

 

[HowHigh]

What a waste of talent, but good on him I guess. I may not share the same beliefs as him but it takes courage to do something like this.

 

[Cagey Mac]

Think for a while about what young people do now and have done in the past in the name of their respective faiths.
OMG I'm glad that we're not playing the Panthers on Black Friday!

 

[Ulysseus]

such a shame he didn't go to canterbury first, then do his pilgrimage..


so many potential great jokes about switching from doggy to missionary...

 

[Father Ted]

religion is a personal choice, i guess he shows guts for making a decision, just hope he doesn't get in a argument with father ted about it.

Wasting a god given talent is a sin

 

[Drew-Sta]

Wasting a god given talent is a sin

You claim his gift is from God, yet he's wasting it making a choice for God?

Or was that your humour..?

 

[Father Ted]

You claim his gift is from God, yet he's wasting it making a choice for God?

Or was that your humour..?

My humour. But based on truth his best ability is as a footballer and thats what he should be doing

 

[RedVDave]

Good on him.

Not my cup of tea, but good to know that there are plenty of footballers more concerned with things other than money.

Well put showing maturity beyond his years IMO.

 

[TheRev]

Well if he was doing something of any worth to the world I would agree. But it's a waste of two years of the kid's life. It's a tragedy.

I wonder what the real reasons are? If hes not enjoynig the game, or the pressure of contracts etc.. but that wouldnt explain why he is playing so well on the field.

Just seems like some dumb advice to me, he has worked so hard to get to this point, he may aswell have 5-10years in the NRL (or whatever comes his way), he can be a missionary later.. but as it is, in 2 years time he may not ever make it back to the game, and if he does, he lost 2 of the best seasons of his youth.

Points to more dumb advice for mine, or mentally he isnt enjoying it.

 

[muzby]

Well put showing maturity beyond his years IMO.

must come from his mother's side of the family then..