Fairfax Media can reveal Hopoate's management, as part of negotiations for a contract extension with the Eels, floated the prospect of the devout Mormon being exempt from playing on Sundays on religious grounds.

Hopoate has already demonstrated his commitment to his faith is greater than that to his career. The centre was at the peak of his powers at Manly in 2011, earning a State of Origin jersey after a breakout year in which he won a premiership. That grand final, in which he set up a crucial try with a miraculous flick pass to Glenn Stewart, was his last game of football for two seasons. At the age of 20 and with the league world at his feet, Hopoate put football on hold to embark on missionary work for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Hopoate kept fit by working out privately while spreading the gospel in league-mad Queensland where he was often recognised by footy fans during his posting. At the end of his missionary duties he took up a lucrative two-year contract with the Eels, believed to be worth $1.5 million.

Hopoate's management had been in negotiations for an extension, but a dispute has arisen between the parties and the matter is now before the Supreme Court. Hopoate's management believes they have executed a written contract extension worth a base wage of $575,000, plus $100,000 extra in marquee player allowances, plus third-party agreements if they are forthcoming. The club is challenging the claims.

The parties attempted to head off legal action with a fresh round of talks and it's understood the Eels tabled a lesser counter offer. It's understood that during the process, Team Hopoate raised the prospect of their client being exempt from Sunday matches due to his strict beliefs. Parramatta officials denied the request and the request is likely to be revealed in court when the matter is heard.

"It was a consideration between Will but it was never put to the club," said Hopoate's manager, Tyran Smith.

Parramatta also declined to elaborate on the Sunday exemption.

"The club does not comment on private negotiations," a spokesperson said. "As the matter is before the courts we won't be providing a running commentary on speculation."

Hopoate was earmarked as the long-term replacement for Jarryd Hayne and began the year at fullback. (It was during this period that contract negotiations commenced.) However, the experiment failed and he returned to his customary centre position. While he hasn't been able to recapture the form he showed before his Mormon mission, Hopoate retained his three-quarters spot with the Blues.

In a further contract complication, it's believed failed third-party arrangements had left Hopoate with a shortfall in his promised salary, although these are negotiated at arm's length to the club.

In a statement posted on mormon.org.au before his mission, Hopoate opened up about the role religion plays in his life.

"I'm a Mormon because it brings happiness into my life and those around me," Hopoate posted at the time. "The emphasis on family in the church has helped bring my family together to become stronger and support each other. I have found that if I put the Lord first in my life, everything else falls into place and I know I've been blessed with amazing opportunities and joy because of that. I feel that being Mormon and having strong faith in God helps me keep a greater perspective of my life and the things that are the most important, like family and faith."

Several Mormon NFL players have wrestled with the same dilemma as Hopoate, and devout Christian Michael Jones enjoyed a distinguished career for the All Blacks even though he didn't play Tests on Sundays.