Latest news with #RobertToia
Yahoo
5 days ago
- 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."
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
State of Origin player ratings: See who starred and who flopped as NSW dominated a disappointing Queensland side
There are still two matches to come, but the signs are ominous for the Maroons after New South Wales claimed an 18-6 win on Queensland soil to kick off the 2025 State of Origin series. While the Maroons had several players that battled, the Blues clicked sharply and looked like a team that had played together for years. Here are the players that stood up in the win, and the ones that will need to bounce back strongly in the second match in Perth in three weeks time. Queensland Kalyn Ponga - 5 Struggled to get into the game in the first half as the Maroon's offence spluttered. Lost the ball in a Crichton tackle to surrender the momentum the Maroons had built. Gave away a penalty for a flop when Queensland had the Blues firmly under the gun. Xavier Coates - 8 Soared high over Brian To'o late in the first quarter but was unable to reel in the ball because of interference from his opposite number. Very unlucky not to come up with points and he constantly threatened the Blues line. Finally got the reward he deserved after Latrell Mitchell lost the ball. Robert Toia - 7.5 Named for the Maroons having played just 10 NRL matches, the Roosters young gun held his own in the big arena and had a few nice carries. Came into his own in the second half with some powerful runs. However with a host of injured Maroons set to return, he might need to bide his time before getting his second crack at Origin. Will certainly give coach Billy Slater plenty of headaches at the selection table. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow - 5 For all of his attacking ability, the Hammer still has defensive liabilities at this level. Really struggled against Stephen Crichton and Zac Lomax where the Blues found a lot of success. Was kept quiet in attack for most of the night by the Bulldogs skipper as well. Valentine Holmes - 5 Fumbled a Nathan Cleary bomb to put his side under early pressure. Scored the first Maroons points with a successful kick off the back of To'o sinbinning. He was involved, but a long way off his best form. Could be the first to go when the injured troops return. Cameron Munster - 4 Was the Maroons' ace up their sleeve after missing last year's series, but six missed tackles and a vital penalty conceded made his first half one to forget. Really tried to take the game by the scruff of the neck in the second half but couldn't find the special play he has become known for. Daly Cherry-Evans - 5 Became the oldest player to ever lace up the boots for an Origin match in what is likely to be his final series. Will he play all three matches? It remains to be seen. Could not grab the ascendency in this one while strike weapon Tom Dearden was kept on ice. Moeaki Fotuaika - 7.5 Came out like a cement truck to put the Blues on notice, but a cheeky little strip was picked up by the bunker to gift NSW their first points from the ensuing penalty. Oddly, he was limited to a 27 minute cameo. Surely he demands greater minutes in Origin II. Harry Grant - 4 Came into the match on very limited preparation, just 60 minutes in a loss against the Sharks. Came up with a costly error in the first half. Then gave away a penalty to put his side under even more pressure. Copped an elbow from Spencer Leniu and then a head class from teammate Lindsay Collins. Hooked for Tom Dearden 13 minutes into the second half. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui - 6 Missed the series last year and came out of the blocks a little too enthusiastically, giving away two penalties in defence. Had a bunch of missed tackles as well. The Maroons need more from big Tino. Reuben Cotter - 5 A huge 31 tackles with no misses in the first half alone. But the big man from Mackay has struggled in offence for North Queensland this season and brought those woes into Origin. A rock in defence, but very quiet on the other side of the ball. Jeremiah Nanai - 6 It's hard to believe that the North Queensland Cowboys second-rower was banished to reserve grade earlier this season because of poor form. But then again, it is also easy to see why he is a rocks and diamonds type of player. Plenty of enthusiasm, but a good handful of missed tackles and handling errors as well. Patrick Carrigan - 9 Required plastic surgery to his busted lip just to play and just kept going and going and going for the Maroons. Huge metres, a monstrous amount of tackles and a beating heart that just won't quit. The Maroons need 10 more just like him. Bench Tom Dearden - 5 Came on 13 minutes into the second half to play dummy half in the place of the subbed Harry Grant. Not much he could do in limited minutes and playing out of position. Lindsay Collins - 7 Had a head clash in the first half with Harry Grant which likely limited his minutes, but he was powerful while he was on the field and gained valuable metres for the Maroons. Beau Fermor - 5 Finally made his Origin debut at age 26 when he ran out onto Suncorp Stadium for the final 15 minutes of the match. Not much he could do in limited minutes with the game beyond reach. Trent Loiero - 8 The Melbourne Storm star got through plenty of work on debut off the bench in limited minutes. Rattled up 60 metres and had 30 tackles in a willing performance. Could press for a starting spot in the near future New South Wales Dylan Edwards - 8.5 Despite indifferent form at club level, the Penrith superstar showed why he has become the preferred option at this level over James Tedesco. He was laying on tries, line breaks and then crashed over to score the match-winner in clever support play. Panthers winger Brian To'o had a trademark spectacular try, but was also sin-binned Brian To'o - 6 Played just one match in the lead up after a hamstring complaint hampered the start of his season. Latched onto a Latrell pass to score the Blues' second. Had a brain fade and was sin-binned late in the first half for dragging Xavier Coates down while he was competing for a bomb. Stephen Crichton - 8.5 Defied a leg injury to take his place in the team. And he was at his barnstorming best, giving Hamiso Tabui-Fidow nightmares and showing why he is regarded as the best centre in the game right now. Latrell Mitchell - 6 Wanted to let his football do the talking this time around and did so. Swatted defenders away at will, had plenty of lovely touches that led to tries and was a constant handful. However, he dropped the ball after being axed by Maroons second-rower Jeremiah Nanai, which led to Queensland's first try. Zac Lomax - 8 After years of whinging about playing on the wing, he showed why he should stay there by scoring the first NSW try. Bagged his second as the sheer weight of possession from NSW broke the Maroons' backs. Was shifted to the left wing in the second half in a bid to shut down Xavier Coates. Mitchell Moses - 8 Had a target on his back and did well to weather some bone-crunching hits without losing possession. Is the general at Parramatta but showed he can be a great team player as well, involved in several sweeping ball movements. Controlled, measured and an asset to the Blues side. Nathan Cleary - 6.5 He's won four premierships in a row but was was shake early in this arena, tossing a ball out the back door to nobody and turning over possession. Left his goal-kicking boots back at Penrith, missing three in a row. Mitchell Barnett - 7 Did his job in the engine room with over 100 metres and 20-odd tackles, although a couple of misses dulls his grade a bit. Reece Robson - 8.5 After keeping his spot despite several questions over whether he had done enough to earn it, the Cowboys rake put in his one of his strongest Origin performances to date. Payne Haas - 9 An absolute powerhouse. Came up with 11 gutbusting runs for 89 metres in the first half alone before getting a well-deserved break. Showed why he is the best prop in the game and did all of the tough stuff required - including 30 tackles without a single miss - to help engineer the win. Liam Martin - 7.5 Not his biggest or best game for the Blues but did his job and had his little running battle with Munster. Angus Crichton - 7.5 Was a constant threat on the left edge but couldn't quite break the game apart. Both second-rowers linked well with the centres and this looks like a well-settled New South Wales outfit You can set your watch to Penrith Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo having a strong match in big games Isaah Yeo - 9 Leader of the pack once again. Has always led by example and this was no different, showing all of the toughness and guile that has led to the Panthers co-captain winning four straight premierships. A real asset for the Blues pack. Bench Connor Watson - 3 Came on late to replace Reece Robson at dummy half and immediately bombed an almost certain try after fumbling a Nathan Cleary pass. Spencer Leniu - 8 Lapped up the attention of being the pantomime villain at Suncorp Stadium, inciting the locals to boo him after his previously confrontation with Maroons great Johnathan Thurston. Had a near flawless cameo off the bench and will be pressing for a spot in the starting side if there are any injuries this series. Hudson Young - 5 Good energy off the bench but a couple of trademark brain explosions as well. Will need to find balance in his game if he wants to press for a regular starting spot.
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.'
Perth Now
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Maroons rookie earns ultimate comparison
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. Robert Toia will make his State of Origin debut after just 10 club games. Nigel Hallett Credit: News Corp Australia '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.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Selwyn Cobbo's snub raises more questions for Slater as ugly claim resurfaces
Questions are being asked of Billy Slater's snub of Broncos back Selwyn Cobbo after the Queensland coach opted to surprise fans and select Robert Toia in the Maroons side. Toia was the biggest surprise selection for both sides with the Roosters centre only 10-games into his NRL career. Having battled injuries early in his footy career, Toia has stood out for the Roosters to star the 2025 NRL season. However, even Queensland supporters were surprised to see Toia make his way into the Origin side, which pushed Valentine Holmes to the wing. Slater's decision to move Holmes to the wing was an interesting move when Broncos back Cobbo has played with new vigour under Michael Maguire this year. Cobbo started the season on the wing for the Broncos, before filling in for Reece Walsh at fullback for the last three games. Despite injuring his wrist in the last game, Cobbo was free to be selected for State of Origin Game 1. However, Slater opted to shuffle the team and selected debutant Toia to play in the centres. Holmes then shifted to right wing, after Murray Taulagi went down injured a couple of days before selection. Xavier Coates occupies the left side for Queensland. And NRL reporter Danny Weidler has questioned Slater's decision to leave Cobbo out completely. The Broncos winger didn't take part in Game 2 and 3 last year having been omitted from the squad. Cobbo was reportedly carrying a few injuries and was left out, despite the winger making himself available for the Game 3 decider. Last year's snub blew up after Weidler went public with the claims that Slater and Cobbo had clashed over their differing views on training and weren't 'seeing eye-to-eye'. Slater rubbished these claims and was unimpressed with the reports. While Cobbo did hurt his wrist against the Dragons on the weekend, he appears to have been cleared of any injury. And Cobbo's absence from the Queensland squad for Game 1 at Suncorp has Weidler once again questioning his snub. "It's mysterious to say the you look at the fact that they have brought in an absolute rookie, he is going to be a very good player, they brought him in rather than maybe take a chance of seeing whether that scan was OK," Weidler said of Cobbo's injury and snub. "They didn't even bother selecting Selwyn Cobbo. I stand by that story...I think that Selwyn is not there tells me something. I know he is fit. I have been told there is not an injury there. I don't think there's been a satisfactory or suitable explanation as to what's going worth asking more questions about." While Weidler isn't backing down, Slater addressed the story last year. The Queensland coach called ut the claims last year in a press conference having labelled the story as 'fake news'. "I actually haven't seen Selwyn more happy, I haven't seen him more engaged in his football and he's had a great week," the coach told reporters in 2024. "He is ready to play - gone are the days that you've got to report the truth. I don't know where that's come from, but it's totally fake news. "Danny Weidler, I'm not sure, that's honestly the first I've heard of it. I was actually having a conversation yesterday with some of the coaching staff about how well his week has gone and he is ready to play. "[My relationship] with Selwyn? It couldn't be stronger, I can't be more clear of that. For me to talk about this is totally irrelevant 24 hours before a game. Selwyn and I are fine and that's total fake news. "Honestly, the accountability to report the truth is obviously not there, to throw that sort of stuff out. I like plenty about what Selwyn brings to the footy team. He just wasn't quite right to play in Game 2 and he will be the first to admit that - but he's good to go now."
