Aussie rugby star's mission starts after NRL grand final

Will Hopoate is set to begin his Mormon mission the day after the NRL grand final.

Hopoate, who made it clear this week that not even the lure of a NSW Origin jersey could tempt him to change his mind, has completed his application and is waiting to learn where he will be sent on his two-year mission to convert others to the faith.

Gabriel Miller, the bishop of Hopoate's local congregation at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Harbord, said the 19-year-old Blues centre could be sent anywhere and will lead a life far different from that of an NRL star.

''He is going to leave a boy and come back a man,'' Miller said. ''It is going to be good for him. I think it will make him mentally stronger. When you read about the lives of league players it is not very often you get a good story.

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