It's not Toopi for Rhinos
Leeds have released New Zealand centre Clinton Toopi and may lose new signing Danny Buderus, the Australian Test hooker who is facing a six-month lay-off with an arm injury.
Buderus, the captain of Newcastle Knights, has signed a two-year contract to play for the Rhinos from 2009 but is thought to have ruptured the biceps on his right arm during his side's 38-24 win over North Queensland.
Leeds are anxiously awaiting news of the 30-year-old hooker, who will undergo an MRI scan on Sunday night to determine the extent of the injury. If he needs surgery, he will be out until March.
The timing of the injury is a cruel blow to the Australia and New South Wales star, who has played 220 first grade games in his 12 seasons with the Knights.
The club had planned for next Saturday night's last home match against Melbourne to be Buderus' farewell.
Meanwhile, Leeds say they have agreed a deal with Toopi to release him from the final year of his contract at Headingley.
The 28-year-old has recently had a knee reconstruction after suffering a second serious injury this season in the Challenge Cup semi final defeat by St Helens.
"It was bad enough missing four months earlier in the season following major surgery on my shoulder and knee but suffering another knee injury has been a massive disappointment," he said.
"I have really enjoyed my time here and I will miss the Rhinos very much.
"It is two weeks since the operation and things are going well. The knee seems to be looking good and I am positive about my future once I get back fit again."
