The 19-year-old is one of the NRL's brightest young talents and had received lucrative contract offers from a number of clubs.
Hopoate says he has decided to put his Mormon faith first.
"I've told the boys that this is not something that I'm forced to do or that I have to do, this is something that I want to do," he said.
I've been brought up in the Mormon faith and this is who I am and this is what I want to do."
Hopoate, whose father John enjoyed an infamous first grade career, admits it was a difficult decision to make, considering the offers made by rival clubs such as Canterbury and Parramatta.
"It was quite tempting, everyone is human," he said.
"Money talks, but I guess I wouldn't be as happy if I stayed because this is what is going to make me more happy at the end of the day."
Hopoate made is first grade debut for the Sea Eagles last year and his sensational form so far this season saw him play for City Origin against Country Origin in Albury last season.
Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, manly-2095 First posted May 13, 2011 13:32:00
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