Canterbury coach Des Hasler has faith in Will Hopoate shifting to fullback in place of Brett Morris who has been ruled out for up to four months with injury.

Hasler and Hopoate are no strangers to each other with Hasler picking the utility back in his premiership-winning Manly side of 2011.

Hopoate then went on a two year Mormon mission before returning to the Parramatta Eels.

“He played Origin last year so he’s a handy footballer,” Hasler said.

“He’s very professional about the way he goes about things. He’s played (at fullback) before so he’s adept.

“He’s a good footballer, he has that string to his bow – that versatility.”

Canterbury play Hasler and Hopoate’s former club Manly on Friday night at Brookvale Oval.