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HULL - New Zealand centre Clinton Toopi admits he is a changed man as he prepares to make his international comeback in the second rugby league test against Great Britain here on Sunday morning (NZ time).
When Toopi made his last appearance for the Kiwis in a makeshift
side for last year's mid-season test against the British, his confidence was in tatters.
A slump in form with the New Zealand Warriors saw him playing Bartercard Cup football and shortly after the British test he was granted an early release to join Leeds Rhinos.
Now the 27-year-old is enjoying a new lease of life in England and was welcomed back into the Kiwis fold after helping the Rhinos win the Super League Grand Final last month and impressing for the All Golds.
"I'm excited and I'm looking forward to the challenge," Toopi said.
"To get back in the team is a big achievement for me after being out for so long - it feels like it's been years since I've been in there."
Toopi and hooker David Faiumu are the new faces in the team who lost the first test 14-20 at Huddersfield last weekend.
They come in for winger Tame Tupou (knee) and interchange back rower Epalahame Lauaki (calf) who were both ruled out today with injury.
Tupou and Lauaki are both expected to be fully fit for the third test in Wigan next week.
Instead of being wracked with self-doubt, Toopi was in relaxed mood this week as he described how a successful season with Leeds had rekindled his love for the game.
"I came over here to win silverware and although we didn't get the Challenge Cup and just missed out on being minor premiers, we came away with the big prize at the end," he said.
"It'd been a long time since I'd played in such a big game at club level - the 2002 NRL Grand Final - and it was great to be a part of something so memorable in my career.
"My confidence is up and I'm feeling good about playing league again.
"I'm enjoying it here and my family's happy, so it's been a good move for me.
"I've got another two years here and I really want to make the most of it."
It wasn't until late this season that Toopi truly established himself at Leeds, thanks in no small part to coach Tony Smith, now the Great Britain coach.
Despite his return to form, he did not expect a test recall.
"I wanted to make a quick impact but Leeds were going through some tough times, just trying to win some games, and I was struggling to adapt to the style," Toopi said.
"I had a bit of a slump these last couple of years but I've been able to rebuild it over here. Tony Smith having the faith to stick by me and help me through it has been great.
"But I feel that I've got some more in me.
"I wasn't too sure about being selected for this series because the season was a bit up and down.
"I'd maybe not been playing to the standard of international footy but my experience was enough to seal my place."
Having both made 19 test appearances, Toopi and captain Roy Asotasi are the most experienced players in a young Kiwis squad.
Toopi was a late call-up as a replacement and watched the first test from the stands after helping his family settle in Auckland for the off-season.
- NZPA
