Round 7: Manly Sea Eagles vs Gold Coast Titans

[DIEHARD]

Manly Sea Eagles vs Gold Coast Titans

[DIEHARD]

Toopi eyes NRL comeback

Clinton Toopi faces an anxious wait before discovering whether an injury to Mat Rogers leads to the former Kiwis centre's return to the National Rugby League (NRL).

Toopi shapes as a potential replacement for dual international Rogers who hyper extended his left knee during the Gold Coast Titans' 20-point loss to St George Illawarra on Friday night.

The 29-year-old former New Zealand Warriors centurion has been confined to the second-tier Queensland Cup competition since the Titans signed him to a one-year incentive-based deal, reviving his rugby league career after a brief injury-plagued flirtation with union at Bay of Plenty in 2009.

Toopi was essentially trialling for Rogers position last night as the Titans' feeder club Burleigh Bears beat the Central Comets.

"I've had a couple of steady games here and there, I was happy after last night's game," Toopi said.

Jordan Aitkens, Toopi's centre partner with the Bears, the other option under consideration by Titans head coach John Cartwright for next Monday's trip to Manly. Cartwright names his line-up on Tuesday.

Toopi, who is behind Rogers and impressive Wellington-born rookie Joseph Tomane in the Titans' midfield pecking order, admitted it had been frustrating waiting in the wings.

"It's hard as a player to have to wait for somebody to get injured before you get a shot," he said.

"It's unfortunate for Mat but it opens the gate for myself and a couple of other players."

Toopi pronounced himself satisfied with an injury-free campaign in the Queensland Cup though he was yet to rediscover his try-scoring touch.

"I've been running the ball well and defensively I've been good, I just want to get on the scoreboard," he said.

Cartwright was hopeful Rogers, 34, would only miss "four to six weeks", presuming scans tomorrow confirm a medial ligament tear rather than a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament - a setback that could require season-ending reconstructive surgery.

Toopi made 119 appearances for the Warriors between 1999 and 2006 before joining former Kiwis coach Brian McClennan at English Super League club Leeds.

http://tvnz.co.nz/

[titansrawesome]

cmon toopi make us proud

[DIEHARD]

It's a public holiday, so if you are in NSW head to the game or if you are on the Gold Coast, join us at the Titanium Bar.

[Sydney Titans Fanatic]

Just to let all the titans fans know who are attending the Manly sea eagles vs Gold coast titans Game. I will be selling tickets for the relay for life cancer council fund.Win a signed 2010 Titans Home jersey. Tickets are $5 and the winner will be announced at the Gold coast titans vs penrith panthers game at skilled park.Dont have to be there to win it just buy a ticket and if you win we can post it to you.

[DIEHARD]

Storm v Manly on MNF now. Check out the opposition for next week.

[Boofhead]

Toopi coming in for Rogers just seems logical to me... we need a old head in the backline to help the youngster build confidence.

Lift your game Toops, this is your opportunity!

[titansrawesome]

we are screwed this week, i have a very bad feeling, sea eagles and dragons are the teams to beat.

[teke]

I too can see a massive flogging coming the Titans way.

[Tamwelg]

I too can see a massive flogging coming the Titans way.

Not going to happen, they'll bounce back.

[titanstattman]

I too can see a massive flogging coming the Titans way.

I dont see nothing comming but a good tough game... we can win anywhere wen we playing right so dont right the team off u support week b4 the game.......

I tip my team everyweek no matter who we are going to play cause its our belief that gets our boys over the line sum times....

[Blazertaser]

we are screwed this week, i have a very bad feeling, sea eagles and dragons are the teams to beat.

Ahhh such little faith, Never underestimate the titans
If we can beat a team that has over $700'000 in salary cap breaches
I think we can beat any team

Yes after seeing monday nights game, it will be a hard fought game
But dont sign off the titans just yet, Its not over till the fat lady sings as the saying goes

Blazer

[DIEHARD]

Welcome back to the NRL Clinton! I have to admit it's hard not to get a little lump in your throat seeing him on Fox Sports News ringing his family to tell them the good news.

A bit of inspired recruitment bringing him on board. Who would have thought this early in the season we'd be without Esi and Mat...

As Boofhead says, a bit of experience in the backline will really help the youngsters.

A Toopi/Tomane centre combinations is pretty devastating flanked by some lightning wingers.

Atkins would be left out IMO.

[titansrawesome]

i just sent some mail in for the adjudicator, no surprise he didn't pick us again. last week he finally picked us and we lost

[karnage]

Welcome back to the NRL Clinton! I have to admit it's hard not to get a little lump in your throat seeing him on Fox Sports News ringing his family to tell them the good news.

A bit of inspired recruitment bringing him on board. Who would have thought this early in the season we'd be without Esi and Mat...

As Boofhead says, a bit of experience in the backline will really help the youngsters.

A Toopi/Tomane centre combinations is pretty devastating flanked by some lightning wingers.

Atkins would be left out IMO.

Lightning wingers are only good if they ever get the ball. Let's hope Toopi can create some space for the fast men, something Rogers and Tomana have failed dismally at this year.