Manly young gun Will Hopoate has shunned the big-money offers of several NRL clubs to embark on a two-year Mormon mission from 2012.

Off contract with the Sea Eagles at the end of this season, Hopoate was one of the hottest properties on the market with Canterbury and Parramatta the most prominent of a host of clubs chasing his signature.

The 19-year-old winger/fullback has put his faith first, knocking back one offer worth $1.5 million.

He says it was a gradual decision and the big money offers were "quite tempting".

"I spoke about it with Mum and Dad and Tyran (Smith, his manager), they advised me on things but at the end of the day they left it up to me," Hopoate told reporters on Friday.

"I told the boys this is not something I'm forced to do or something I have to do, this is something that I want to do so that was probably the main purpose behind it."

Considered one of the game's rising stars, Hopoate made his senior representative debut for the NSW City Origin side in last weekend's clash with Country.

He is the son of former rugby league bad boy John Hopoate, whose run-ins with the judiciary are infamous.

Sea Eagles chairman Scott Penn said the club supported their young star's decision.

"We'd like to congratulate Will on a strong decision," Penn said.

"We certainly support you, you have been an integral part of the Sea Eagles family.

"We've loved watching you develop and certainly would very much like to see that continue so we'd very much like to see you come back once you've fulfilled your mission."

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