Rugby League: Hoppe answers mayday call

3.15pm - By CHRIS BARCLAY

LEEDS - New Zealand rugby league's record test try-scorer Sean Hoppe has been rushed out of retirement and may play his first international for three years in the series decider against Great Britain this weekend as the Kiwis injury toll reached crisis point today.

Hoppe, who ironically played the last of his 301-match first class career against the Kiwis for St Helens three weeks ago, joined the depleted squad today.

Coach and former team-mate Gary Freeman turned to the 33-test veteran after the tourist's already thin backline reserves suffered a double blow in wake of last weekend's bruising 14-all draw with Great Britain at Huddersfield.

Kiwis management today revealed centre Clinton Toopi was heading home today with a broken hand and star utility Robbie Paul was rated only a 10 per cent chance of playing at Wigan's JJB Stadium after his right knee was badly gashed when he collided with Bradford team-mate Leon Pryce.

While Paul's doubtful status was already apparent, the departure of Toopi was a shock after the New Zealand Warriors' leading try scorer this season seemed to emerge from the McAlpine Stadium clash unscathed.

However, Freeman said Toopi damaged a bone in his right hand during the game and subsequent x-rays revealed a break.

The 22-year-old was returning to Auckland with his hand in plaster today and could be out of action for up to eight weeks, sidelining him from Warriors pre-season training.

"Losing Clinton is a big blow to us. It's a little bit hard to take a day after the match when these things pop up," Freeman said.

He also had a pessimistic outlook on Paul's chances although he would be given until later this week to prove his fitness.

"Robbie's knee is cut up pretty bad. The doc worked pretty hard to put it together but I'm 90 percent sure he won't play. If he stretches out it will probably open up straight away," Freeman said.

A revelation at fullback for the last three tour games, Paul was cut to the bone by the sprigs on Pryce's boot and needed 10 stitches to for the deep wound.

Although Freeman doubted Paul would make it, the Bradford skipper was more positive.

"There's still a bit of swelling but hopefully it'll be all right for Saturday.

"I'll put my feet up and see how it is on Thursday. "

Until Hoppe arrived, Freeman was left with only six fit backs for Sunday morning's (NZ time) third test, a game the Kiwis need to win to lift the new Albert Baskiville Trophy.

The Kiwis lead the three-match series 1-0 but say Great Britain can keep the trophy if they win and the series is shared.

Regular fullback David Vaealiki will definitely return after missing three games with a virus at either centre or fullback depending on whether Paul recovers.

Although the pack is firing Freeman has to rejig a backline that has already lost wings Matt Utai, Tevita Vaikona and utility Motu Tony from the original touring party of 26.

Hoppe has played centre for the Super League champions this season while veteran Ruben Wiki, who started his 35-test career in midfield, is another stop gap although he prefers a forward orientated role.

Freeman was coy about where Hoppe, scorer of 17 test tries between 1992-99, might slot in.

"We're assessing things now. By the time we flew someone over from New Zealand it would be too late, they'd be too tired. Sean's been playing up to about three weeks ago so he's a likely candidate to come into the side."

Hoppe, whose last test was the Anzac clash against Australia three years ago, thought Freeman was joking when he received a call yesterday.

"I thought it was a gee-up, but I'm keen to do what I can," he said.

Fortunately Hoppe has continued his gym work although he happily hung up his boots after captaining Saints in their 26-38 loss to the Kiwis at Knowsley Road on October 25.

"I had a week off but I've been back on the treadmill -- but not going hard out. It's lucky St Helens season lasted so long, I'm still pretty fit."

The Kiwis had a minor injury scare at training today when hooker Richard Swain suffered a cut head after trying to tackle David Solomona but the dummy half will be available.

Stephen Kearney also skipped training after feeling unwell and prop Jason Cayless sat out the second session after straining a hip muscle.

The Kiwis have tomorrow off and resume training on Thursday.

- NZPA