New St Helens signing Will Hopoate hasn’t ruled out a future return to the NRL as he prepares to move halfway across the world to join his new club in 2022.
Hopoate has signed a two-year deal with Saints which will see a decade-long career in Australia’s greatest league come to an end.
But, the door is still very much open for a return to the NRL after a stint linking up with Tonga national coach Kristian Woolf.
“You never say never … had you asked me when I played at Manly if I’d ever leave Manly I probably would’ve said the same thing,” Hopoate told NRL.com.
“Rugby league is a wonderful, interesting and different industry.
“I’m open-minded if an opportunity comes back to play in the NRL then so be it, I guess time will tell.
“This was always on the agenda for me, to play Super League at some point.
“I’ve spoken to Luke Thompson quite a bit here and got his thoughts. He speaks highly of the competition.
“I’m going in with a blank canvas and a smile at the same time to soak it all up.”
The 29-year-old hit the headlines back in 2017 when it was revealed he had a clause in his contract that enabled Hopoate to miss Sunday games as a result of his faith.
However, he agreed to make himself available after the Bulldogs club requested him to do so, something he is also willing to do at St Helens from next year.
