Hopoate copped a barrage of criticism for refusing to play on Sundays, but looking at his dismal pay packet from Canterbury, it’s hard to knock him.

Hopoate earned just $120,000 in 2016 with coach Des Hasler negotiating a severely reduced contract.

It is in stark contrast to the money he was on at the Eels with the 24-year-old reportedly earning about $800,000 a season between 2014-15.  

He missed four games this season which fell on a Sunday including the Bulldogs’ semi-final loss to Penrith.

It is belived he would have played in the grand final, which always falls on a Sunday, should his side have made the big dance.

He is reportedly set to earn $150,000 in 2017. 

Hopoate took a two-year sabbatical from the game in 2012-13 to serve a two-year Mormon mission.