League: Toopi targets Titans deal

Clinton Toopi's heading to Australia to play for the Gold Coast Titans. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Clinton Toopi is leaving rugby to join NRL club the Gold Coast Titans for pre-season training on January 4, with a season-long contract in prospect.

The 29-year-old is seen as an option out wide due to his size, power and safety under the high ball.

Toopi's also touted as a possible mentor for younger members of the backline such as Kevin Gordon, David Mead, Esi Tonga and Joseph Tomane with experienced centre Chris Walker heading to the UK Super League. Coach John Cartwright says provided his fitness holds, Toopi's input will be invaluable.

"I want him to pick up from where he left off at the end of his NRL career. I remember him at the Warriors when I was assistant coach with the Roosters in the 2002 Grand Final. He was a big, aggressive centre, probably known for his defence, but he also had pace and a step. He could lay on - and finish - tries."

The former Kiwis centre last played in the NRL with the Warriors in 2006 before moving to Leeds Rhinos under coach Brian McClennan. After leaving them with a knee injury last year, he volunteered to join the Manly Sea Eagles this season, but ended up playing rugby union for Whakatane Marist in the Eastern Bay competition.

That saw Toopi selected in the Bay of Plenty squad for the Air New Zealand Cup, a progression fraught with injury.

"I need to get these 'nigglies' sorted out," said Toopi. "My right knee went in a Bay of Plenty pre-season match, then I didn't even get to take the field in the competition because I tore the cartilage in my left knee warming up for the second to last game."

So how did he adapt to union?

"I found the technical side difficult, but we had some experience at our club with a legend like [former NZ Maori coach] Matt Te Pou helping out. The downside is if I make it in the NRL again I will only feel like I scratched the surface of rugby."

Cartwright's yet to call for his signature but is backing Toopi's decision to make the transition.

"He should add depth and experience, so he'll get a good opportunity. I'm not worried about his recent injuries. There's not much you can't fix up these days.

"We're in regular contact with his physio over his knee. He knows what he's in for, having been at the Warriors and Leeds. It's a tough ask otherwise, given the pace of the game. "

Toopi joins Tomane, former Raiders utility Marshall Chalk and former Roosters hooker Riley Brown as new additions to the Titans.

He's leaving his family behind in the New Year. Toopi says his wife's happy in her job just outside Whakatane at Ohope School and it lets his children stay settled.

A decision on whether he will sign with the Titans is due at the end of February.