Champions Leeds count cost after losing Toopi

Leeds Rhinos could be without New Zealand test centre Clinton Toopi for four months. Toopi will undergo surgery after suffering a dislocated shoulder and ligament damage in Leeds' Carnegie World Club Challenge win over Melbourne Storm last Friday.

Rhinos coach Brian McClennan said: 'Clinton is a world champion now but it is a high price to pay.

'Ashley Gibson, who will take Clinton's place against Castleford (tomorrow), has been through a similar process of recovery from a major injury.'

Castleford are still looking for their first points since they won promotion but coach Terry Matterson says: 'Leeds have been awesome this year and have a real hard steel to them. But we have got to play them some time and this is as good a time as any.'

Hull prop Ewan Dowes could be playing by the end of the month after being told a tear to a knee ligament is not as serious as was feared.

But coach Peter Sharp still hopes to bring in a loan signing before tomorrow's trip to St Helens, where Hull centre Kirk Yeaman is expected to make his first appearance of the season.