Will Hopoate sets date for Parramatta Eels return, ending speculation he will back out of deal Will Hopoate trains with the Parramatta Eels. PEN this date into your diaries Parramatta fans: November 7. Will Hopoate has confirmed he will join the rest of the Eels playing squad in exactly 40 days, ending speculation the high-profile recruit will back out on his deal at the club. Currently in the final stages of his two-year Mormon mission, Hopoate's future had become a point of conjecture following the departure of coach Ricky Stuart three weeks ago. Hopoate signed a deal with the Eels in 2011 that contained a get-out clause if previous coach Steve Kearney was no longer at Parramatta. There were also reports that Hopoate was set to field interest from Canterbury, but The Sunday Telegraph has learned that was merely a screen from the Dogs camp, who were more focused on trying to lure Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne. But Hopoate has told Eels officials he will commence his NRL comeback when the Eels entire playing roster returns for preseason testing in the first week of November. "We've been in contact with him only last week and there's no doubt he'll be here,"" Parramatta chairman Steve Sharp said. I've been assured that he's keen to come. Fortunately for everybody he hasn't been reading the papers, which is part of his Mormon mission, so he doesn't have to listen to the stuff that's being said about us."" The Parramatta playing group broke last Friday ahead of a four-week break. Sharp said he was in no doubt that the players would return with a new head coach to guide them on day one of preseason training. "Everything else is all settled, we just need to appoint a coach and that's what we'll do,"" Sharp said. "They'll have a coach when they return."" Sharp said the club remained focused on also appointing a head of football operations. NRL referees coach Daniel Anderson and Cronulla assistant coach Peter Sharp have both been linked to the role. Cronulla's Sharp has told the Eels he's staying at the Sharks while Anderson said he had not been contacted by the Eels. Despite being without a coach, the Eels are also close to signing former Melbourne and Manly half Liam Foran. The brother of Sea Eagles five-eighth Kieran Foran, Liam is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Eels after two seasons in the English Super league with Salford. Brisbane Broncos recruit Corey Norman's move to Parramatta will also commence this week when he arrives in Sydney to look at property for where he'll live over the next three years.