League: Toopi working up a full head of steam

Bay of Plenty rugby is set to play a pivotal part in the code-swapping ambitions of former Kiwis and Warriors league centre Clinton Toopi.

The 29-year-old also hasn't ruled out turning out for the Steamers in the Air New Zealand Cup later this year.

Toopi took his first tentative steps on a rugby field two weeks ago for Whakatane Marist in the Eastern Bay club competition and has committed to the club for the next three months while his manager seeks new playing contracts.

He could find one in the Bay, with Steamers coaching staff expressing an interest in the 119-game Warriors veteran and 14-match test player.

"At this stage, I'm definitely keeping my options open," said Toopi. "I've moved down to Whakatane just until my manager gets something else for me to look at but if a deal came up that benefited myself and my family, I'd look at it."

Toopi's game-time for the 2004 Baywide champions comes nine months after a horror knee injury ended his British league career with Super League side Leeds.

He has been rehabilitating in Auckland for the past six months and, intent on trying out the 15-man code, moved to the Eastern Bay this year with Whakatane-raised wife Turenga and their two young daughters.

Whakatane Marist player-coach Steve Mapu has been impressed by the raw talent Toopi displays but realises he'll need a lot more work to turn him into a provincial-standard midfielder.

"He brings a lot of footy knowledge and a great attitude - he's got that professionalism and he's pretty fit - but coming from league to union is all about the little things," Mapu said. "Union's all about taking the ball in and how you present the ball and how you secure the ruck and maul.

"We had a one-on-one with him before training on Tuesday and gave him a few pointers - things like adjusting his body position about 15deg lower when he was going into contact - and he was already adapting to it at training that night."

Steamers assistant coach Steve Miln invited Toopi to several Bay high performance trainings and is intrigued by the left-field alternative to boosting the province's thin midfield depth.

Toopi himself admits there is a huge amount to learn before that prospect is even viable.

"I've just been taking it slowly and trying not to trample on anyone's toes - just get in there and observe and tweak my game a bit," Toopi said.

"I'm actually loving it. It's technically challenging but that's refreshing when you come into something new.

"The other cool thing is that down here I'm away from everything and I can slowly work my way back into things.

"I've gone right back to the grassroots which is a great experience for me."

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES