Parramatta Eels Chairman Steve Sharp says keep your hands off Hopoate
PETER BADEL
THE COURIER-MAIL
SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 12:00AM
BRONCOS import Corey Norman has pledged to honour his Parramatta deal as Eels chairman Steve Sharp issued a hands-off edict to the Bulldogs over Will Hopoate.
Norman and Hopoate are Parramatta's major purchases for next season, but the future of both has come under scrutiny after coach Ricky Stuart's walkout on the Eels last week.
Currently serving as a Mormon missionary in Brisbane, Hopoate signed a deal with the Eels in 2011 that contained a get-out clause if then coach Steve Kearney was no longer at Parramatta.
With Kearney now at the Broncos, Hopoate is effectively a free agent.
That has opened the door for the Bulldogs, who view the former NSW Origin star as a viable fullback replacement for Broncos recruit Ben Barba.
The Courier-Mail understands the Bulldogs plan to announce a high-profile recruit in the next fortnight, but Sharp hit out at suggestions Hopoate could be at Belmore in 2014.
"Our people have been in contact with Will Hopoate via his manager and we are told he is 100 per cent solid," Sharp said.
"He is coming to Parramatta, no question about it.
"I get disappointed when I see this all the time.
"One minute I hear that Jarryd Hayne (Eels fullback) is going to the Bulldogs and now Will Hopoate is supposedly on their hit list.
"Maybe I should say we are going to chase one of the Bulldogs stars in Josh Reynolds and offer him $1.2 million ... it's just ludicrous.
"There is talk about Jarryd Hayne leaving Parramatta, Jarryd has a solid contract for the next two years and I've been in contact with Jarryd. He is blue-and-gold.
"Will Hopoate has been under contract with us for two years. We've been monitoring his health and his well-being during his time in Brisbane.
"He's looking forward to coming back and repaying Parramatta's hospitality." Norman's manager Paul Sutton said the Broncos backline utility is committed to joining the Eels despite the departure of Stuart, who secured him to a three-year deal in March.
Sharp, the former Eels premiership forward, said he expected Norman to report for pre-season next month and warned the days of reneging on deals at Parramatta are over.
"I want Corey Norman at our club because he is a great player," Sharp said. "He has the chance to show the world how good a five-eighth he can be. Will Hopoate is the same, I believe he will hit the ground running next year and rival Jarryd Hayne as the star of our team.
"These blokes have been signed to play for Parramatta and I expect them to turn up and play.
"I think Corey and Will are both guys of strong character and they want to come to our club because they are determined to show people they can play.
"But I will say this if they don't want to be here because a coach is not here, then I will use the money to buy a player that does want to be here.
"I know contracts don't seem to be worth two bob these days but they will be on my watch.
"It's my job to develop a culture at Parramatta and the club is bigger than any individual."
http://m.dailytelegraph.com.au/spor...ands-off-hopoate/story-fni3fbgz-1226722921564
