Stand-in Canterbury fullback Sam Perrett says he wanted to join Will Hopoate in sitting out Sunday NRL matches in accordance with his religious faith but was denied the request by Bulldogs coach Des Hasler.

Hopoate will miss the Bulldogs’ round 10 match against Wests Tigers on Sunday as he observes the Christian Sabbath.

Perrett revealed on Tuesday he wanted to join Hopoate on the sidelines but will play against the Tigers after Hasler turned him down.