The Canterbury Bulldog's Coach and Captain have supported William Hopoate's decision not to play on Sunday, after the 23-year old revealed his religious commitments and devotion to observing the Sabbath.

William confirmed his intentions to miss Sunday games to the Australian media recently as his club prepares for the beginning of the NRL Premiership season. He will miss out on three Sunday games scheduled for the Bulldogs in the 2016 Premiership. The coach for the Canterbury Bulldogs, Des Hasler, has supported William’s decision and told media that he was proud of William.

“This is what makes Will so special – his beliefs distinguish him. This is what makes him tick. We are very proud to have such a person within our walls”, Hasler told the News Corp.

"To deny something that is so fundamental to a person is to deny that person the right to be who they are”, he added.

William expressed his gratitude and relief that his religious beliefs have been accepted. "I understand that Des or the club could have said no without hesitation. But for him to understand and he's told me this, that he recognises this is what gets me going, what makes me happy, living my beliefs. I'm very grateful for that."

The Captain of the Canterbury Bulldogs, James Graham, released a statement to Fox Sport in support of William. James stated “Our attention to Will’s situation first arose when we were training on Sunday mornings and he was absent – there’s been a fair amount of talk about his decision, but for me it’s the mark of him as a man. He’s been honest, up front about his feelings and strong in his convictions. That is admirable.”

William debuted for the Manly Sea Eagles in 2010 when he was only 17 years-old. He stalled his career in 2012 and 2013 as he took a two year Mormon mission for the LDS church. William was eventually promoted to the position of Elder.

William stated his mission experience has given him the strength to deal with negative feedback concerning his Sabbath stance. He told the Sydney Morning Herald, “I can't control what people say and I'm obviously very grateful for the kind words and can understand the negative words – it's a choice to be offended and to make unkind and negative remarks,”

“I think it's an important lesson I learned on the mission from being abused verbally nearly every day. The worst thing you can do is react. I choose not to be offended."