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Rugby League

Leeds Rhinos to be without centre Toopi for five months

19/03/2008

Leeds Rhinos will be without Clinton Toopi for five months after the centre underwent surgery.

Toopi dislocated his shoulder during Leeds' world club challenge victory over Melbourne Storm at the end of February.

At that stage it was thought the 28-year-old would be ruled out for four months, but the extent of the injury was worse than expected meaning Toopi required reconstructive surgery.

Because of the surgery Toopi will be out until August but the Rhinos expect him to return to the starting line-up before the end of the Super League season.

Rhinos head physiotherapist Meirion Jones said: "The operation was a complete success and we have done everything possible to make sure that Clinton makes a full recovery. He has had the operation straight away and the surgeon is happy with how that went.

"There was slightly more damage that we initially thought which has lengthened his rehabilitation slightly but we are confident of having Clinton back playing in the next five months."

Toopi was an integral part of the Rhinos' success last season – replacing Chev Walker who briefly defected to rugby union with Bath.

The New Zealander's injury could give youngster Ashley Gibson the chance to prove himself alongside Keith Senior in the Rhinos' back line.