Japan prospect in star’s return

MORMON missionary Will Hopoate could regain match fitness for the NRL by playing rugby in Japan, under a plan drawn up by his manager.

The eldest son of former Manly international John Hopoate stunned the league world when he took a two-year sabbatical to follow his religious vocation and preach from the Book of Mormon in Queensland.

But his beliefs also limit him to no more than an hour’s training a day, hampering his efforts to stay NRL-ready.

Smith, a former New Zealand international who is managing a stable of young and talented stars, said he planned to approach Parramatta Eels coach Ricky Stuart and the club’s football manager, Ken Edwards, sometime this week to pitch the Japan idea.

‘‘I’m looking into it because I want to make contact with the Japanese brokers who do the deals over there,’’ said Smith.

‘‘Whether Parramatta is prepared to allow it may be another story, though.

‘‘However, I think it would be a good idea for Will to play the last few months of the Japanese season – October, November and December – and be back at Parramatta with some footy under his belt in January.

‘‘There are plenty of positives about William playing in Japan and I will discuss each of them with the club.’’

Hopoate made his decision to dedicate himself to religion despite becoming, at 18, the secondyoungest player behind Brad Fittler to represent New South Wales in State of Origin and winning a premiership with Des Hasler’s Sea Eagles last year.

Hopoate was signed to a twoyear deal with Parramatta worth A$1.7 million ($2.1m) when Stephen Kearney was at the helm. The Kiwis coach liked the traits, including integrity, that Hopoate brought to the club.

Given Parramatta could have used the versatile back’s presence, and skills, during their battle to ward off the wooden spoon this season, Smith will need to show why Hopoate should be allowed to play rugby in Japan while his teammates slogged it out at preseason training ahead of the 2014 season.

‘‘It’s simply about letting Will get the footy in his hand, making runs, reading the defence and making tackles,’’ Smith said.

‘‘It’s nothing more than a suggestion.’’

The NRL was poised to clamp down on any loophole that would allow players to follow the precedent set by former All Black Sonny Bill Williams and inflate their incomes by travelling to Japan during the off-season.

The manager of Wests Tigers superstar Benji Marshall suggested the Kiwis international was another NRL player in line to ply his trade in Japan.

But after his club and the NRL expressed their concern, Marshall announced at a sports dinner in Sydney on Friday night that a stint in Japanese rugby was not on his radar.