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Robert Toia

Robert To'ia (born 11 August 2004) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a centre for the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League.

Background

Toia, who is of Tongan descent, was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He played for Mangere East Hawks Rugby League as a youngest before moving to Brisbane at six years of age[2] where he played junior rugby league for the Redcliffe Dolphins.[3] He attended St Joseph's College, Nudgee before being signed by the Sydney Roosters at the age of 14.[4][5][6]

Playing career

Early career

In 2021, Toia played for the Central Coast Roosters in the Harold Matthews Cup and represented Queensland City under-17 in their win over Queensland Country.[7][8][9][10]

In 2022, he moved up to the Sydney Roosters' SG Ball Cup team. Later that season, he played for their Jersey Flegg Cup team and represented Queensland under-19.[11] His season was then ended when he ruptured his ACL for the first time.[12] That same year, he rejected an offer to return to the Dolphins first grade side and stay with the Roosters instead.[13][14]


In 2023, Toia returned from his ACL injury, playing for the Roosters and the North Sydney Bears in the New South Wales Cup.[15] His season ended after just six games due to a broken jaw and then ruptured his ACL for the second time in training.[16][17] [18][19]

In June 2024, he again recovered from his ACL injury, playing six games for the Roosters' NSW Cup team.[20]

2025

In Round 1 of the 2025 NRL season, Toia made his NRL debut against the Brisbane Broncos at Allianz Stadium.[21] In May, Toia was selected to represent Queensland in Game 1 of the annual State of Origin series after only 10 matches in the NRL.[22]

References

  1. ^ Rugby League Project
  2. ^ "Robert Toia Maroons Origin debut: Why he rejected Wayne Bennett advances bouncing back from two knee reconstructions". Courier Mail. 19 May 2025.
  3. ^ "Gun Rooster would 'love to play Origin for Queensland'". QRL. 30 September 2021.
  4. ^ "Toil turning to triumph for Toia after winning showing". NRL. 3 May 2025.
  5. ^ "He slipped through rugby's grasp to become a Maroons bolter. Will more follow?". The Age. 8 May 2025.
  6. ^ "10-game rookie reacts to 'record-breaking' Queensland call-up" (video). youtube.com. Fox Sports Australia. 19 May 2025.
  7. ^ "JUNIORS: Young Stars Step Up". Sydney Roosters. 22 February 2021.
  8. ^ "Queensland Under 17 City v Country Boys highlights". QRL. 5 October 2021.
  9. ^ "Top 50 under-18s in Australia". ourfootyteam.com.au. 28 June 2022.
  10. ^ "Maroon and White 15 Years teams named after carnival". qrl.com.au. 6 May 2019.
  11. ^ "QRL confirms Queensland Under 19 men's squad". www.qrl.com.au. 16 June 2022.
  12. ^ "From setbacks to stardom: Toia reflects on painful journey to the NRL". www.zerotackle.com. 11 March 2025.
  13. ^ "He slipped through rugby's grasp to become a Maroons bolter. Will more follow?". The Age. 8 May 2025.
  14. ^ "10-game rookie reacts to 'record-breaking' Queensland call-up" (video). youtube.com. Fox Sports Australia. 19 May 2025.
  15. ^ "Panthers halves stun amid big Luai question; Roosters unleash teen prodigy: Reserves Wrap". Fox Sports. 25 July 2023.
  16. ^ "Pilot Medical Update: Round 15". Sydney Roosters. 12 June 2023.
  17. ^ "Pilot Medical Update: Round 15". www.roosters.com.au. 12 June 2023.
  18. ^ "'Oops, sorry Ted': Roosters rookie lives out childhood dream and can only laugh after fending club legend away with his first touch". www.news.com.au.
  19. ^ "Pilot Medical Update: Rehab Update". Sydney Roosters. 13 June 2024.
  20. ^ "Panthers' mid-season signing stars; Sea Eagles grant young gun immediate release: Ressies Wrap". Fox Sports. 23 July 2024.
  21. ^ "'Now it's time to play a lot': Robert Toia set to make Roosters debut in round 1 after overcoming horror injury toll". www.news.com.au.
  22. ^ "Toia, Fermor, Loiero earn Origin debuts for Maroons". NRL. 19 May 2025. Retrieved 19 May 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)