Buzz: Bulldogs to sign Will Hopoate after Eels withdraw $2m offer
October 31, 20158:30pm
Phil Rothfield
The Sunday Telegraph
CANTERBURY are poised to swoop on State of Origin winger Will Hopoate.
Hopoate is a free agent following the decision by Parramatta to withdraw a $2 million letter of offer for the next three seasons.
The NRL would not register the deal ($630,000 in 2016, $660,000 in 2017 and $690,000 in 2018) because it would have broken the Eels salary cap.
Hopoates manager Tyran Smith is now in discussions with Parramatta officials about a compensation payment of up to $500,000.
Meanwhile, Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has his chequebook poised.
Hopoate would play *either fullback, wing or centre at Canterbury. Were hearing that the Bulldogs may have to *release veteran winger Sam *Perrett from the final year of his contract to fit Hopoate under the cap.
Interestingly, the Bulldogs have beaten Manly to the punch to get Hopoate.
His father John was controversially appointed as Sea Eagles SG Ball coach as a tactic to keep several of his highly-talented sons at Brookvale.
Will Hopoate had a disappointing Origin series and will be flat out retaining his jersey next season. Still, Hasler feels he has plenty to offer at Belmore.
There is talk Brett Morris may even switch back to his specialist position on the wing to allow *Hopoate to play at fullback where he can read the line defence better than as a specialist winger.
