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Clinton Toopi of the Titans - Source: Getty Images -
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Former Kiwis and New Zealand Warriors centre Clinton Toopi
returns to the National Rugby League for the first time in six
weeks when the Gold Coast Titans visit competition leaders St
George Illawarra on Friday.
Toopi combines with Steve Michaels - a mid-season recruit from the
Brisbane Broncos - in a new midfield combination for the round 20
clash against the Dragons at Kogarah.
Toopi made way for the return of former double international Mat
Rogers from injury in early June and has also been troubled by a
calf strain while playing for the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland
Cup competition.
Rogers replaces the injured Greg Bird (hamstring) at five-eighth
while Bodene Thompson, who also played in the centres when the
Titans lost to the Broncos 24-10 last Friday, moves to lock for
Ashley Harrison (knee).
Toopi scored three tries in five games after making his Titans
debut in round seven against Manly as Rogers started recovering
from a knee problem.
The Titans are desperate to snap a three-game losing streak that
has seen them drop to eighth.
Meanwhile, resurgent Parramatta have rushed Timana Tahu back into
the centres for their big NRL clash against Canterbury on Friday
night.
The Eels star was suspended for four weeks after an anger-fuelled
high-tackle on Newcastle winger James McManus back in round
15.
Tahu's suspension came on Monday June 21. His head was still
spinning that night after he was embroiled in a race scandal
involving Andrew Johns in NSW Origin camp in the previous
week.
His brain-explosion against the Knights earned him a forced break,
and Parramatta captain Nathan Cayless said Tahu is now
re-focussed.
The dual international was perhaps lucky to come straight back into
the starting side, with Jonathon Wright omitted after scoring two
pivotal tries in last week's miracle comeback win over
Penrith.
However Cayless said Tahu won't let anyone down.
"All the boys in the team have offered their support but talking to
Timana and the way he's been training he's fine," the Eels captain
said.
"He's moved on and he's really looking forward to getting back out
on the field and playing footy and getting on with
everything.
"He's been great since he's been back. It should be good, it should
be exciting.
"He's been training for the last few weeks and he's been training
very hard. The coaching and training staff haven't been very
sympathetic to Timana while he's been suspended.
"He's very keen to get back out on the field and contribute to our
team and he's someone that can contribute a lot.
"Obviously he's someone that's got real attacking ability. He's got
speed and power and I'm looking forward to his battle this week
with Jamal Idris again."
Newcastle coach Rick Stone has opted not to make mass changes to
his side which was embarrassed 52-18 by Canberra last week.
Stone has brought Cameron Ciraldo into his starting second row, and
Con Mika in as an impact forward off the bench.
Cory Paterson has been dropped while Mark Taufua has been
relegated to an extended bench as 18th man.
