Back-in-business Leeds Rhinos star Clinton Toopi has declared himself delighted with his comeback after almost five months on the sidelines.
Toopi said he is determined to finish the season strongly after returning for Rhinos in their 46-8 drubbing of Huddersfield Giants three days ago.
The Kiwi Test centre underwent major surgery after suffering a dislocated shoulder in Rhinos' Carne
gie World Club Challenge win over Melbourne Storm at the end of February and also had an operation to correct a troublesome knee problem.
He said: "It's nice to be back. It was a good blow out and a good win at home. I was happy I came through all right and the boys got back on track.
"I played 80 minutes. I was originally planning to play 60 and come off for the last 20, but in the second half we had a lot of the ball so I was able to rest a bit and not do too much.
"I was glad to get through the full 80 and I was quite happy with how I went.
"I wanted to get in there and try and test out my shoulder and see how it'd cope with things.
"I was hitting a few lines and I felt my knee held up so, all in all, I am pretty happy and I can just build on that."
Toopi has returned at an important time of the season, with second-placed Rhinos due to face the side immediately below them, Les Catalans Dragons, in Perpignan on Saturday, before a Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final showdown with joint leaders St Helens seven days later.
He said: "I wanted to try and at least get a couple of games in before the semi against Saints, but I can't look too far ahead.
"We've got to worry about Catalans first. They are in contention for the top spot, so we've got to be on our game when we travel.
"They are going to be tough at home. I don't think they've lost too many over there, but I know the boys will be up for it."
Toopi reckons the win over Huddersfield laid a foundation for good performances over the next crucial two weeks.
"We've got a bit of confidence up," he said. "We scored a few tries.
"It was a bit sloppy at times, but at times we were able to get in a good grind and that's something we went away from in the last couple of weeks.
"We were able to build on that and we want to continue that over the next few weeks."
The full article contains 443 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.
