Latest news with #DanielTupou
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tupou lifted by rookies, Roosters make big Origin call
Daniel Tupou has described how he sees a younger version of himself in Robert Toia, as Queensland's breakout State of Origin star returns for the Sydney Roosters. Roosters coach Trent Robinson confirmed on Saturday all five of his Origin players would face Canberra on Sunday, days after the interstate series opener. That will leave the Roosters in the best chance to remain on the cusp of the NRL's top eight, despite sitting 16th on the ladder as recently as six weeks ago. Toia has been one of several young Roosters whom Tupou believes has re-energised the club this year, amid a difficult injury run to start 2025. The centre himself overcame back-to-back ACL ruptures before making his debut this year, and was arguably Queensland's best in their series-opening loss. Tupou himself played 10 games on the wing for NSW and has consistently become something of a mentor for the younger members of the Roosters' backline. "Watching from afar, the extras he's putting in after the adversity he's been through is a credit to him," Tupou said. "He reminds me of myself, just the quiet nature and shy with all that media stuff and he's handled it really well. "I have seen him keep his composure and let his footy do the talking." Queensland coach Billy Slater said after Wednesday's loss Toia's debut was "great", hailing his focus on the "not brilliant" parts of the game. Robinson was also not surprised, praising Toia's movements and decisions. The Roosters centre is not the only youngster to have left a mark on Tupou. The towering winger scored twice in last week's win over Cronulla off the back of two Hugo Savala kicks, with the halfback making the most of Tupou's height. Just six games into starting as a No.7, the 23-year-old has made a genuine case to keep a spot in the halves once Sam Walker returns from his ACL rupture in coming weeks. "It was just a gameplan and he backed himself," Tupou said. "All week from the Monday leading up to the week he said he was going to own that part of his game and he lived up to the expectation. "We just fell into place straight and away and it worked. Credit to him as a young player to have the courage to be able to do that." It's also not lost on the Roosters that it was in this corresponding Sunday night home fixture against the Raiders that their 2024 season was ripped apart. In the space of one half both Walker and hooker Brandon Smith suffered ruptured ACLs, in a blow that has had ramifications going into 2025. "Obviously losing those two big names during that game was tough," Tupou said. "We can only move forward from that and God willing it doesn't go the same way this year."
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘He reminds me of myself': Robert Toia earns Daniel Tupou comparisons as he prepares to make State of Origin debut
Roosters veteran Daniel Tupou doesn't show much emotion on the field even after he scores one of his trademark tries off a high kick, but you couldn't wipe the smile off his face when he was asked about teammate Robert Toia, who will make his State of Origin debut on Wednesday night. Still only 20 and with just 10 NRL appearances next to his name, Toia was the bolter in the Maroons squad with outside back hopefuls Murray Taulagi and Selwyn Cobbo unavailable. Toia has shown in his limited opportunities just how talented he is, with the Roosters centre breaking free with one of his first touches on debut to set up Dom Young for a try against the Broncos. It's been a story of perseverance for the gifted outside back who has suffered two serious ACL injuries and a broken jaw in his rugby league journey, with Toia showing great resilience to never lose sight of the bigger picture. 'Watching from afar, the extras he's putting in after the adversity he's been through is a credit to him,' Tupou said. 'I'm stoked for him to get this opportunity early in his career, and I'm sure he'll do a great job at home playing in front of his family and friends. 'He sort of reminds me of myself with the quiet nature and how shy he is with the media. 'He's handled it really well. I messaged him to keep his composure and let his footy do the talking.' Tupou played 10 matches for the Blues and hopes to see Toia flourish on debut for the Maroons, with the young gun set for an outstanding career if he can stay as consistent as his towering teammate. 'He doesn't say a lot, but the thing about Rob is that he's similar to 'Toops' in that they just go about their business and they are so consistent with their work,' Roosters centre Billy Smith said. 'Like Toops has done for the past 13 years, Bobby for the past few years has been so consistent. He's turned up to training even when things haven't gone his way, and he's just gotten into his work. 'I'm a big believer that if you keep working hard and put yourself in good positions that good things tend to happen.' Like Toia, Smith has endured a horror run with three serious knee injuries. It's why he's so proud of his young teammate who has never kicked stones or let self-doubt creep in. 'It's cool to see someone work so hard and have not much happen for you with the injuries to now get the rewards,' he said. 'That's what Rob has been through the past few years, but he's never stopped working hard. 'To debut 10 weeks ago and now play some really good footy for the Roosters, and now he gets his crack in the pinnacle of rugby league. 'It's nice to see someone you love and respect get rewarded.'
