Robert Toia announced himself as a future Queensland Maroons star in Magic Round.Credit: Getty Images
Crossing his arms with a sheepish smile upon his unveiling as a future NRL star, it becomes clear Robert Toia is not yet comfortable in the spotlight.
It is something he perhaps should have expected as a teenager, playing rugby union with Nudgee College and junior rugby league at Redcliffe before linking with the Roosters as a teenager.
And he will have to get used to it, as he propels towards a reality in which he is the next Queensland Maroons’ sensation, rather than a Wallabies prospect.
The 20-year-old tormented Dolphins’ marquee man and two-time Dally M centre of the year Herbie Farnworth – finishing with two tries, 187 running metres, eight tackle busts and a try to assist in Sydney’s 36-26 triumph.
He could have been forgiven for pondering how he got here, as two ruptured ACLs and a broken jaw across three seasons threatened his pursuit of glory.
Robert Toia scores a try against the Dolphins on Friday night.Credit: Getty Images
“It’s been a tough one [the injury history], but also there was reassurance from the club which has been second to none. They’ve backed me every step of the way,” Toia says, who revealed he turned to fellow injury-prone teammate Billy Smith for guidance in his darkest hours.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity, first and foremost, for [Sydney] having belief in me, and trusting me to give me ball and go against a quality player like Herbie.”
It would take a bold call from Maroons coach Billy Slater to axe centres Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Valentine Holmes for the nine-game rookie.
But Toia made his desire clear to one day unseat them, and replicate the heroics of his idol, Greg Inglis.
“I remember watching GI, he was a big one for me. Just how dominant he was, no matter who was in front of him he was able to create havoc,” Toia says.
“I would love to play Origin, but right now, I’m just focusing on playing good footy for the club and playing every week.”
Toia joins a long list of NRL stars who came through prominent rugby union schools, including his Roosters right-edge teammates Siua Wong and former Wallabies’ winger Mark Nawaqanitawase.
“He’s one of the best players for sure. Just his understanding of both games, and the confidence he has in me and the confidence I have in him [has helped our combination].”
Robert Toia on Mark Nawaqanitawase
The NRL’s infiltration of the 15-man could escalate in the coming years, following confirmation the Western Bears would join the competition out of Perth in 2027.
Papua New Guinea will join the fray in 2028, leaving Australia’s four Super Rugby clubs vulnerable to losing future and current talent.
North Sydney Bears great Les Kiss, who will coach the Wallabies from mid-2026, sees the threat ahead – confirming he would work with Rugby Australia to implement retention programs.
Examples of NRL players from rugby union schools
Note: While several players attended rugby union schools, many were contracted to NRL clubs before entering the 15-man code’s professional system.
Queensland
Kalyn Ponga (Anglican Church Grammar), Tom Gilbert, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Brisbane Grammar), Pat Carrigan (St Josephs College, Gregory Terrace), Robert Toia (Nudgee), Jojo Fifita (The Southport School), Carter Gordon (Brisbane Boys College, Sunshine Coast Grammar)
New South Wales
Angus Crichton, Billy Smith, Siua Wong, Hugo Savala, Blake Steep (Scots College), Cameron Murray (Newington College), Mark Nawaqanitawese (St Patrick’s College, Strathfield), Will Penisini (The King’s School), Isaiya Katoa (Barker College)
“Another team coming in like that does put a little bit more pressure on the system, we’ve just got to be aware that we don’t fight on the same battlefield they have,” Kiss said.
“Our opportunities rugby offer … it’s an international game. Once you’re in rugby you can go anywhere in the world through the network you can build.
“We’ve got to make sure we keep those things front and centre about what we’re doing, and there’s a World Cup here [in 2027] – there are a lot of reasons to stay involved in the game, and we’ll be pushing that.
“It is good news to see the Bears back. I’m Bear 842, so I’m a happy man about that, but we’re aware these things are challenges for rugby.
“I think rugby’s on the rise here, so let’s stay positive and optimistic about where we’re going.”
According to Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Dave Hanham, the game’s sustainability would not be at risk from the NRL’s growth.
Under Kiss, the Reds have extended their calendar beyond the 16 Super Rugby rounds, venturing to Tonga, Japan and the United Kingdom last year, while hosting Wales.
Hanham appreciates greater opportunities for players who do not reach the Test stage is an area which needs to keep being addressed, but believes the game would be safe in the face of poaching raids.
“We see those international games, those extra six or seven, being key to maintaining success and being sustainable,” Hanham said.
“An additional two teams [in the NRL], there’s a view it could put more pressure on the system, but … I don’t feel it’s going to make a massive impact.
“There’s enough quality content for us to say rugby is an attractive sport to stay in. Super Rugby as a comp, it’s the best year I’ve seen in a long time.
“There’s jeopardy in every game … it’s in a good space, and the broadcast numbers have gone up. I feel like we’ve got the right mix.”
