From the moment he arrived on the Gold Coast, Titans fans found themselves drawn to the rugged, hard hitting and determined style which had long been the signature of Clinton Toopi.
The proud Kiwi began his career in New Zealand and made his NRL debut against Souths with the then Auckland Warriors.
After 126 appearances for the Warriors, 22 Tests for New Zealand, Toopi was granted an early release from the Warriors and left the NRL and New Zealand to join the Leeds Rhinos in the English Super League competition.
The Kiwi and New Zealand Maori International was also a hit in the UK, playing 46 matches before a serious knee injury cut his time in the UK short and threatened to prematurely end his Rugby League career.
After intensive rehabilitation and short stint in Rugby Union, Toopi was thrown an NRL lifeline by Titans coach John Cartwright and after impressing during the off season and pre-season trials was offered a one-year contract ahead of the 2010 season. His strong form with the Titans saw him again selected in the New Zealand Maori side, the hard hitting centre also accepting a contract extension for the 2011 season.
After 202 first grade matches and 26 internationals, Clinton Toopi retired at the end of the 2011 season, taking up a community ambassador role with the NRL and Gold Coast Titans.
Clinton will represent the Gold Coast Titans during the Deadly Choices Old Boys Invitational at CBUS Super stadium on Sunday July 8th. Get your tickets to the Old Boys Invitational game
Clinton Toopi Represented
- Auckland Warriors
- Leeds Rhinos
- Gold Coast Titans
- New Zealand
- New Zealand Maori
