Toopi, 28, is currently recovering from a knee injury, his second serious injury of the season, and has agreed an exit package with Leeds.

His release is expected to see Rhinos move for Pritchard, the Penrith Panthers back row who coach Brian McClennan has identified as a replacement for Wests Tigers-bound Gareth Ellis.

Leeds yesterday received some worrying news about their confirmed overseas signing for 2009, Danny Buderus after the former Australia Test prop tore a bicep in his right arm playing for Newcastle Knights. Buderus, 30, was scheduled to have a scan last night and the early prognosis is that he is unlikely to play again before March.

Toopi said he hopes to play again in the NRL when he recovers from the knee reconstruction operation that prompted Leeds to release him.

The centre sat out the opening months of this season following surgery on his shoulder and knee and the latest injury had raised doubts over his career.

"I have a check-up with the surgeon on September 11 and then we will look to head home after that," he said. "Hopefully I can pick up a club when I am back to full fitness in late spring next year.

"I totally understand the club's position and my family and I are happy with how things have been handled.

"We will go home to New Zealand with some fantastic memories, especially the Grand Final last year at Old Trafford and the World Club Challenge this year."

McClennan said Toopi who scored 10 tries in 47 appearances for Leeds, left with the club's thanks and best wishes.

"We are all bitterly disappointed for Clinton," said McClennan. "That is the hard part of the salary cap, it leads you to have to make tough decisions in the interest of the whole team.

"The players and staff have a lot of time for Clinton and he will always have a great deal of friends here at the Rhinos. Injuries are a horrible and unpredictable part of our game unfortunately.

"Clinton was lucky to avoid serious injury in his early career, but at Leeds they seem to have come all at once this season."

Leeds are now likely to step up their efforts to secure the services of Pritchard, who still has a year of his contract at Penrith outstanding.