Will Hopoate: St Helens would compete really well in NRL
Tonga international Will Hopoate says he has no doubts that St Helens would definitely be able to compete with the elite clubs in the NRL.
The 29-year-old centre joined Super League’s reigning champions in the off-season on a two-year deal from NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs.
Hopoate is enjoying his first taste of Super League in 2022 after spending 12 seasons in the NRL.
But the Tonga international insists his new club would easily be able to mix it up with the big boys Down Under.
He said: “I think they would compete really well in the competition over there.
“Obviously I’ve played over there for a number of years. With the systems and the structures we have in the group, I have no doubt that they could definitely compete over there in that competition.
“Just look at the amount of (Saints) players that got selected in the England squad. That just goes to show the talent that is in this playing group.
“I noticed from day one just how hard the boys work. I think they’ve got the balance right between having fun and being switched on when they need to be. It is definitely a great system and I’m very grateful I came to this organisation.
“Just look at someone like James Roby, the skipper. He has played for 19 years and done everything there is to do in the game. He’s just such a down to earth bloke. You can have a chat with him whenever and he’s such a good bloke to be with. He’s just an example of the type of people the club breeds and that’s something I noticed straight away.”
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With Welsh speedster Regan Grace being ruled out for the first month of the season, Hopoate started his career with Saints on the wing.
But he said his preferred position is in the centres or at full-back. However, he is happy to fill in on the wing.
Hopoate added: “I played most of my career at centre and full-back, so either of those two positions I prefer playing in.
“Having said that, I don’t mind playing on the wing as that’s where I started but I’d probably say those two.”
Hopote will make a return from a rib injury when the champions welcome local rivals Warrington to the Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday night.
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