Robert Toia’s is a story of perseverance in the face of adversity, and his Magic Round heroics have announced his credentials as a future State of Origin sensation.
Forced to fight through two ACL ruptures and a broken jaw in the three years before his NRL debut, the 20-year-old is putting it all together in 2025, culminating in his two-try exploits in the Sydney Roosters’ 36-26 triumph of the Dolphins.
Toia, who played his junior rugby league out of Redcliffe while juggling rugby union commitments with Nudgee College, was first at work in supporting a James Tedesco raid, eventually busting through two tackles to score the opening points.
His silky late offload shortly after gave winger Mark Nawaqanitawase just enough space to orchestrate a miraculous put down.
He even made two of the nine offloads to feature in the unreal pass the parcel try for Zach Docker-Clay, only for the Bunker to intervene as the hooker lost possession in the act of scoring.
By the end, he had two tries, 167 running metres, two linebreaks, 19 tackles and seven tackle busts, and he did so up against one of the leading centres in the competition, Herbie Farnworth.
Robert Toia shone for the Sydney Roosters against the Dolphins in Magic Round.Credit: NRL Photos
Outside of Maroons’ incumbents Valentine Holmes and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, there are few lethal centre options at Queensland’s disposal, with veteran Dane Gagai nearing the end of his career.
But with Toia, Cowboys youngster Jaxon Purdue and injured Storm grand finalist Jack Howarth the Maroons suddenly have life coming through the ranks, and potential x-factors to contain whoever the Blues throw their way in the future.
“He understands what are the most important parts of the game, and knows what the foundation of his game is and what the rewards are on the back of it. He’s been doing that since he walked in, but then the stuff that people are going to recognise and ask questions about was still based on the foundation of the other stuff he’s been doing every week.”
Roosters coach Trent Robinson
Engine room nightmare
Heading into Friday night’s clash, the Dolphins were without their first string middle three – Daniel Saifit (shoulder injury), Felise Kaufusi (knee) and Max Plath (lock) – as well as Kurt Donoghoe.
Their absence was exposed by a Roosters’ engine room who came to Brisbane with obvious intent to be physical and aggressive coming off the defensive line.
“We’ve obviously got some good players out of the middle, there’s no doubt there, but I don’t think that was the reason for tonight. What I was disappointed with the most was we didn’t defend to our standards. Kaufusi should be a good chance for next week … Max will be out for a couple of weeks, he’s had a minor surgery so he’ll be out for three or four weeks.”
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf
While recruit Francis Molo showed some promising signs (98 metres from 11 carries in 37 minutes) in just his second NRL game for the year, they will need more from their big men to overturn consecutive defeats.
In contrast, Naufahu Whyte (174 metres, 26 tackles) made life a nightmare in the middle, and found great support in Egan Butcher (94 metres) and Victor Radley (two tries, 90 metres).
The Dolphins cut dejected figures in their Magic Round clash with the Sydney Roosters.Credit: NRL Photos
Even off the ball, the Dolphins’ lack of line speed simply helped the Roosters assert their dominance.
That was no clearer than in Radley’s charge to score his first, with his rivals remaining planted on their try line as he approached and unable to prevent his momentum.
By the time Tabuai-Fidow, Farnworth and Kodi Nikorima got on the board in the second half, the damage had already been done.
“I thought in the little moments, the first couple of exchanges in both halves, they just did the little things really well and that’s what a tough team does. In patches, we showed we have the tough mindset, but we didn’t want to do that consistently enough tonight, so it’s definitely something we have to address. It’s not something as a captain or teammate we want to see again this season.”
Dolphins captain Tom Gilbert
Tedesco’s Origin case gathering steam
It seemed Tedesco’s days in the Origin arena were numbered, but the superstar fullback is making a compelling case to force his way back into the Blues jumper.
The Roosters skipper left coach Trent Robinson lost for words in attempting to describe him as a player, and just how highly he regards him among all the athletes he has mentored.
Tedesco was a class above on Friday night; his 212 running metres, 10 tackle busts, two linebreaks, two linebreak assists and two try assists picking the Dolphins apart in a colossal display.
“The mentality he goes into every day and turns up and then goes into a game … it’s just so rare to watch someone do what he does every week for so many years. It’s just an honour as a coach, I’ve been really lucky to coach some really great players, and Ted stands up with them all.”
Trent Robinson
Despite playing game one of the series last year, it was only due to Dylan Edwards’ injury, who immediately regained the jersey for the two victorious clashes that claimed the shield.
Melbourne’s Ryan Papenhuyzen has also made an irresistible case for inclusion.
However, form cannot be denied. While his exploits surely have him the frontrunner, Tedesco refused to buy into the debate.
“It’s not my decision, it’s whatever the coach wants and how he wants to play. I’ve been on the other side of it where I’m the fullback and people are talking about form, and it does put pressure on you. I haven’t felt any of that pressure. I’ve just gone out knowing my process through the week, and that’s freed me up to play some of my best footy.”
James Tedesco
King of the converts
Nawaqanitawase has quickly made him indispensable on the Roosters’ wing, a feat all the more impressive when considering it is keeping Dominic Young planted in reserve grade.
The former Wallabies star was quick to show off his acrobatic abilities for his first try of the night, given barely any room to work with but still managing a remarkable put down in the corner.
Mark Nawaqanitawase scores for the Roosters against the Dolphins.Credit: NRL Photos
He showcased those same feats in delivering a miraculous offload as he went into touch for what looked to be a try of the season contender for Docker-Clay before the try was overturned, before adding a second to his own tally.
While former Test five-eighth Carter Gordon remains sidelined with a back concern, Nawaqanitawase has suddenly put himself in the frame for rookie of the year honours, despite already announcing himself as a star in a rival code.
His 138 running metres and two linebreaks to go with his brace will likely keep Young on the outer, and he is proving a valuable back three ally for Tedesco.
