Latest news with #Toia
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jay Toia fits Cowboys vision for violent DT rotation
Jay Toia fits Cowboys vision for violent DT rotation originally appeared on Athlon Sports. If his arms were two inches longer, he's a Day 2 pick. If the league valued the 1-tech the way it did before the pass-happy era, he's not on the board in the seventh. Advertisement But things happen. And the Dallas Cowboys may have found something worth exploring here. Jay Toia is already taking some turns running with the 1's in OTA's, as noted as we watched practice inside The Star on Thursday. Does that mean Toia is already more pro-ready than Mazi Smith? Or is this just more "Schotty-psychology" at work? A subtle way to light a fire under Mazi and get him "playing mad''? We don't know all of the answers here yet. But here's what we know for certain, Toia was PFF's highest graded run stopper in the class. Toia is incredibly difficult to move. And Toia comes from an entire family of NFL war-daddies. Advertisement Let's break this down. Cowboys D-line coach Aaron Whitecotton has been consistent since the day he got here: he prioritizes violence, penetration, rotation, and relentless energy. He wants fresh legs, interchangeable pieces, and an interior that attacks rather than absorbs. That's the lens you need when looking at Jay Toia. The 6-3, 335-pound rookie was a seventh-rounder in April, but don't let that shape your ceiling for him. The only reason he slid that far? Positional value. Nose tackles and true 1-techs aren't getting top dollar or draft love in a league obsessed with splashy pass-rushers. But maybe that's changing — fast (stay tuned on that front). Advertisement Now look at Dallas. The front office wasn't aggressive at defensive tackle in free agency, and they waited until Round 7 to address it in the draft. That might say more about their belief in Mazi than fans want to admit. Or maybe it's new coach Brian Schottenheimer doing what he's done all offseason — turning every roster move into a spark for competition. You need at least four defensive tackles to survive an NFL season. Some teams carry five. In years past, Dallas relied on aging journeymen like Jonathan Hankins and Linval Joseph to plug that hole. But now? Toia, Mazi, and second year man Justin Rogers give them potentially three 330+ pound bodies to throw into the fire. The problem is, most rookie DTs don't contribute early and Justin Rogers might as well be considered a rookie, too. It's the second-hardest transition in football behind quarterback. But Toia might be an exception because of the aforementioned bloodline of NFL trench warriors. You can feel it in how he plays. He walks, talks, and breathes interior football. But if that's not the case, which even despite early OTA reports shouldn't come as a surprise, then who can the Cowboys call on as the "mentor" in the room to help continue to cultivate the growth of the room. Advertisement You wouldn't be wrong to default to either Osa Odighizuwa or Solomon Thomas as the answer to that question. Those two guys are well-thought of in the Cowboys organization and also league-wide, but they're both more of your penetrating-pass-rush type 3-techs and much less so true run stoppers. So maybe this is where we glance back at something we discussed just a couple short weeks ago. Maybe the time is coming when the league starts valuing a guy like this. But for now? If Jay Toia can play? He'll be plenty valuable to a Dallas team that needs major improvement in plugging the run. Related: Cowboys Need 1 More Major Roster Move And Stats Reveal Why Related: Cowboys Lack Of Urgency Creates Huge Pressure on Mazi Smith This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
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." 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." 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."
West Australian
4 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
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."
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
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."
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Bring on Perth: Why Toia wants another crack at Latrell
Queensland centre Robert Toia want another crack at Latrell Mitchell, and given the 20-year-old's impressive State of Origin debut he should get his wish. The Sydney Roosters rookie was not daunted by the challenge of marking the NSW superstar and both players were outstanding for their respective sides in the Blues' dominant 18-6 win in the Origin series opener at Suncorp Stadium. The rugby league world will wait with bated breath for round two in Perth on June 18. Mitchell delivered a trademark big moment with a stunning catch and pass to set up Brian To'o for a try but it was Maroons winger Xavier Coates who jammed in unsuccessfully to allow the try. Toia did not cut loose himself but he didn't let Mitchell get the better of him either. He also delivered a trademark one-handed flick to set up the only Queensland try to Coates. The Maroons centre spoke before the match about how much he had looked up to the two-time Roosters premiership winner Mitchell. After it he was just glad he'd done a sold job marking the Blues beast. "It was everything I expected to be honest," Toia said. "I was trying not to think about it too much, just do my job for the team. "We didn't really do much video on him. It was just about nailing our line speed and not giving a guy like Latrell any time and space. I had that in the back of my head." A big grin came over Toia's face when asked if he was ready for "round two in Perth". "For sure," he beamed. Toia, for his part, surely repaid the faith of coach Billy Slater on a night where he was a bright spot on an otherwise dark night for the Maroons. "Billy's reassurance was unbelievable, from the beginning of camp until the end. His constant reminders of why he picked me played a part in me trying to be the best I can be," Toia said. "I like to think I do belong in Origin. I like to back myself. "I'd love to (get selected for game two in Perth), hopefully I did enough to have Billy reconsider me, but if not, I know the boys will be able to get the job done." It's hard to imagine Slater overlooking Toia for the trip west. The coach was effusive in his praise for the young man. "He was really good. I actually expected him to play like that," Slater said. "He's been a pleasure to get to know him over the last week and a half. He's a great young man, really humble and respectful. He values the the parts of the game that are not brilliant, but that's why he's in this position. "I thought his debut was great. So he can hold his head up high." Queensland centre Robert Toia want another crack at Latrell Mitchell, and given the 20-year-old's impressive State of Origin debut he should get his wish. The Sydney Roosters rookie was not daunted by the challenge of marking the NSW superstar and both players were outstanding for their respective sides in the Blues' dominant 18-6 win in the Origin series opener at Suncorp Stadium. The rugby league world will wait with bated breath for round two in Perth on June 18. Mitchell delivered a trademark big moment with a stunning catch and pass to set up Brian To'o for a try but it was Maroons winger Xavier Coates who jammed in unsuccessfully to allow the try. Toia did not cut loose himself but he didn't let Mitchell get the better of him either. He also delivered a trademark one-handed flick to set up the only Queensland try to Coates. The Maroons centre spoke before the match about how much he had looked up to the two-time Roosters premiership winner Mitchell. After it he was just glad he'd done a sold job marking the Blues beast. "It was everything I expected to be honest," Toia said. "I was trying not to think about it too much, just do my job for the team. "We didn't really do much video on him. It was just about nailing our line speed and not giving a guy like Latrell any time and space. I had that in the back of my head." A big grin came over Toia's face when asked if he was ready for "round two in Perth". "For sure," he beamed. Toia, for his part, surely repaid the faith of coach Billy Slater on a night where he was a bright spot on an otherwise dark night for the Maroons. "Billy's reassurance was unbelievable, from the beginning of camp until the end. His constant reminders of why he picked me played a part in me trying to be the best I can be," Toia said. "I like to think I do belong in Origin. I like to back myself. "I'd love to (get selected for game two in Perth), hopefully I did enough to have Billy reconsider me, but if not, I know the boys will be able to get the job done." It's hard to imagine Slater overlooking Toia for the trip west. The coach was effusive in his praise for the young man. "He was really good. I actually expected him to play like that," Slater said. "He's been a pleasure to get to know him over the last week and a half. He's a great young man, really humble and respectful. He values the the parts of the game that are not brilliant, but that's why he's in this position. "I thought his debut was great. So he can hold his head up high." Queensland centre Robert Toia want another crack at Latrell Mitchell, and given the 20-year-old's impressive State of Origin debut he should get his wish. The Sydney Roosters rookie was not daunted by the challenge of marking the NSW superstar and both players were outstanding for their respective sides in the Blues' dominant 18-6 win in the Origin series opener at Suncorp Stadium. The rugby league world will wait with bated breath for round two in Perth on June 18. Mitchell delivered a trademark big moment with a stunning catch and pass to set up Brian To'o for a try but it was Maroons winger Xavier Coates who jammed in unsuccessfully to allow the try. Toia did not cut loose himself but he didn't let Mitchell get the better of him either. He also delivered a trademark one-handed flick to set up the only Queensland try to Coates. The Maroons centre spoke before the match about how much he had looked up to the two-time Roosters premiership winner Mitchell. After it he was just glad he'd done a sold job marking the Blues beast. "It was everything I expected to be honest," Toia said. "I was trying not to think about it too much, just do my job for the team. "We didn't really do much video on him. It was just about nailing our line speed and not giving a guy like Latrell any time and space. I had that in the back of my head." A big grin came over Toia's face when asked if he was ready for "round two in Perth". "For sure," he beamed. Toia, for his part, surely repaid the faith of coach Billy Slater on a night where he was a bright spot on an otherwise dark night for the Maroons. "Billy's reassurance was unbelievable, from the beginning of camp until the end. His constant reminders of why he picked me played a part in me trying to be the best I can be," Toia said. "I like to think I do belong in Origin. I like to back myself. "I'd love to (get selected for game two in Perth), hopefully I did enough to have Billy reconsider me, but if not, I know the boys will be able to get the job done." It's hard to imagine Slater overlooking Toia for the trip west. The coach was effusive in his praise for the young man. "He was really good. I actually expected him to play like that," Slater said. "He's been a pleasure to get to know him over the last week and a half. He's a great young man, really humble and respectful. He values the the parts of the game that are not brilliant, but that's why he's in this position. "I thought his debut was great. So he can hold his head up high."
