No one was more surprised by Will Hopoate's State of Origin selection than Will Hopoate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Parramatta utility back, by his own admission playing below expectations, assumed South Sydney's Alex Johnston would nab the wing spot for Origin I.
"Alex Johnston has been playing some great footy, I rate him very highly as a player," Hopoate said. "This call came as a surprise but I'm very grateful to be here. To be honest, Origin wasn't on my mind. I was focused on playing for Parramatta and what I can do to improve, I don't think I'm playing my best footy. There is always room for improvement and I definitely see areas where I can do better for the Parramatta club. For me to be here is a big thrill and I'm grateful."
NSW coach Laurie Daley was keen to reward the squad, which finally broke Queensland's stranglehold last year but, in some instances, loyalty had to give way to form. Eels recruit Anthony Watmough, Cronulla veteran Luke Lewis and Bulldogs playmaker Josh Reynolds missed the cut because they couldn't consistently reproduce the performances that earned them selection for the last series.
Many commentators expected Hopoate to be another casualty after he struggled to find his rhythm at Parramatta. The 23-year-old began the season as Jarryd Hayne's fullback replacement but Eels coach Brad Arthur soon aborted the experiment. Hopoate switched back to his customary position at centre but Daley opted for him on the flank ahead of Johnston.
The Rabbitohs youngster, who has scored 28 tries from 29 NRL appearances, is in the unusual situation of being an Australian representative but deemed not yet ready for the rigours of Origin. Daley has seemingly put a higher value on Hopoate's defensive contribution than Johnston's attacking one and gone for the slightly bigger body in the process — Hopoate is 186cm and 97 kilograms, compared to Johnston at 185cm and 89kgs.
"I had a tough start to the season at Parramatta but there is still great belief within the club that we can hopefully turn things around," he said. While Hopoate wasn't an instant success at fullback, he believes the experience he gained playing in the position will make him a better three-quarter. "I think so, it's good to have the bit of versatility and adjust to different positions in the backline," he said.
"Playing in the centres at Parramatta and now being selected on the wing for NSW, I'm grateful for that experience now that I'm here. Every position has different roles and responsibilities. A lot of it is the same but there are also a few differences between the role of a centre, fullback and winger.
"I'm comfortable with the role as a winger and I will train hard this week to try to fulfil them."
Hopoate has agreed to terms with the Eels and it is expected a formal announcement isn't far away.
"My manager is working on it behind the scenes and hopefully I can sort out my future sooner rather than later," he said. "I'd love to stay at the Parramatta club, I love working with the boys and the coaching staff."
