THE golden arches may be his guilty pleasure but don’t expect to run into Will Hopoate at a McDonalds anytime soon.

Since returning to the NRL in 2014 following a two year break from the game while he completed a Mormon mission, the 23-year-old admits he’s taken his body for granted.

But that’s about to change.

At the end of last year Hopoate was clubless after his deal with Parramatta had expired and that’s when the centre made the conscious decision to start the next chapter of his rugby league career at Canterbury by making a transformation.

Round 19

It’s a new attitude and it starts with eliminating Big Macs from his diet and taking better care of his body.

“My eating habits,” Hopoate told foxsports.com.au when asked what changes he needs to make this year.

Will Hopoate is tackled by Sam Perrett. Source: Getty Images

“I wasn’t a bad eater but being a better eater will help. Putting the right fuel into the body will bring forth good energy and doing a lot of pre-hab exercises the physio wants me doing.

“I can get a bit slothful on those exercises when I’m at home. Taking my time to stretch will play a big part.”

For Hopoate, it’s all about being better — a better player, trainer, student and husband — it all comes down to fulfilling his potential.

By his own admission, Hopoate is a firm believer of setting goals each year.

Ahead of the new season, the 2011 premiership winner with Manly said he has a mixture of achievements he wants to knock off his list which impact his personal and professional life.

“At the top of the list you’ll find some spiritual goals,” he offered.

“My faith is everything to me. Footy wise — (I have) more daily and weekly goals in terms of producing numbers on the field and in the gym and reaching certain key indicators for each training session.

Will Hopoate in action. Source: News Corp Australia

“Off the field the fans and public only see the 80 minutes played on the weekend but there’s so much preparation.

“For me off the training paddock is a big thing — recovery, diet, hydration and sleep are pillars on which performance is based on. If I can get that right it’ll help me train better.

“In terms of spiritual goals, reading scriptures every day and praying with my wife every day.”

Since joining the Bulldogs, it has been speculated Hopoate could be playing fullback for the club however he says he’s been training in the centres.

It’s the position he feels most comfortable in, although he’s willing to play wherever the team needs him.

The same can be said for Origin. Having come under criticism for his performances on the wing in last year’s series, the Blues flyer said he’s focused on leaving the past behind him and starting 2016 anew.

Will Hopoate during the 2015 State of Origin series. Source: News Corp Australia

“I think I was criticised fairly,” he admitted.

“It wasn’t the best performances that I put forth. I’ve put that behind me now and 2016 is all I’m looking forward to. Positivity is all I want.”

In moving forward, Hopoate has moved to Belmore where he has reunited with coach Des Hasler who gave him his start as a teenager with the Sea Eagles back in 2010.

Having signed a two-year-deal with the Bulldogs, Hopoate said the transition into the kennel has been an easy move for him to make.

“There were a number of reasons I chose to become a Bulldog and Des was one of them,” he said.

“He can really get the best out of players and being able to play alongside some Origin teammates I’ve had was another reason why.

“Having a few familiar faces there... I wasn’t coming to a completely different team where I didn’t know anyone. There was already friendships established which made the transition a bit easier.”