Latest news with #RobertToia
Daily Mail
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
State of Origin II player ratings: See which unheralded Queenslander rampaged his way to top marks, and the Blues superstar who bombed
After surrendering Origin I to NSW at their home ground, the Maroons had it all to do to keep the series alive as it travelled to Perth for the second clash. It looked like Queensland would pile on the pain after making big changes and dominating the first half. But it's never over until it is over, with NSW launching a spirited comeback. Here is who shone, and who had games to forget in the wet, wild and windy conditions at Optus Stadium. 1. Kalyn Ponga 5 Coughed the ball up when challenged with the first high ball of the match. But he quickly settled into the match and was reliable for the most part, if unremarkable. There were half chances and moments where he poked his nose through the line, but it was not the commanding performance Maroons keep hoping for from the Knights star. A crucial knock-on with three minutes to play could have been brutally costly, but fortunately for Ponga, Queensland got out of jail. 2. Xavier Coates 6 Was moved to the left wing in a late change by Billy Slater, in a bid to keep Lomax on a leash. For the most part, he did that. But it also seemed to dull his offensive potency and he was rarely targeted despite being a formidable leaper. Was pretty unlucky to surrender a penalty for a tackle in the air on Lomax, when there wasn't much he could have done except let the Blues winger land on him. 3. Robert Toia 3 Was a revelation for the Queensland in Origin I but had issues in the conditions in attack early in this one. Then the defensive issues began to flow as the Blues decided to target his edge in the second half. Toia will have a long Origin career, but this one one probably won't feature in too many highlight reels. 4. Valentine Holmes 6.5 Had a big job to do in stopping Stephen Crichton, but was let of the hook for the most part as the Blues went left instead. When Critta spotted him one-on-one in the second half, he made no mistake and barrelled over the top of him. His goal kicking ended up being the difference. 5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 8.5 The mail was the Hammer wasn't chuffed to be pushed out to the wing. But it proved to be an early masterstroke as Queensland halfback Tom Dearden found him twice to open up an early lead. Save as houses under the high ball, even in dreadful conditions. Showed he is human with an unlucky knock-on trying to trap a kick. 6. Cameron Munster 8.5 First kick goes dead by centimetres and then gave a way a set to start with Queensland grimly defending their own line. But the newly minted captain quickly found his way to put a stamp on the match and was rewarded with a try that pushed the Maroons lead out to 14. There was the occasional glitch, the occasional moment of brilliant, all of Cameron Munster on display in one match. Captaincy fits him well. 7. Tom Dearden 8.5 Had the New South Wales defensive line on the hop much more than the axed Daly Cherry-Evans did in Origin I. Created an overlap and put the Hammer over in the right corner. Absolutely pin point kick in the 21st minute to put the Dolphins star over for his second. Had his hands in the Capewell try as well, that was almost goodnight for NSW at that point. 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 5.5 Struggled in the conditions and spilled the ball just after his side had scored a try, putting them immediately back under pressure. The Maroons need more from their starting prop than 73 metres and 12 tackles. Remains under pressure. 9. Harry Grant 8 There was plenty of scuttlebutt during the week that Grant would be better suited to a bench role, after a quiet game in Origin I. Perhaps his detractors forgot he was coming back from injury then, because Grant closed down those talks by returning to his scheming, damaging best. 10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui 8 The Gold Coast Titans captain hit the ball up hard and was flawless in defence, but the best work he did was getting under the skin of Blues players. Every time things flared up, big Tino was there in the middle of it. If he came into the match looking to rattle the opposition, top points. 11. Reuben Cotter 8.5 The Cowboys star had some willing runs that meant missing in Origin I and had 18 tackles without a miss at the halftime mark. It was one of his strongest Origin performances to date, especially in defence with some bone-rattling hits. Almost slid over for a try himself as well. 12. Kurt Capewell 9 Pretty stunning to believe this bloke was left out of calculations for Origin I. He is just one of those blokes that is built for this arena and carried his red-hot Warriors form into Perth. His try late in the first half all-but buried the Blues and he was always threatening on the left edge. His big hits in defence really helped steer this unheralded group of Queenslanders over the line. 13. Trent Loiero 6.5 Full of running after being elevated to the starting side following his Origin I debut, but his momentum was halted when hooked for a HIA after being clobbered by Lomax. Passed the test but wasn't quite able to regain that momentum. Bench 14. Kurt Mann 7.5 The oldest State of Origin debutant since the great Artie Beetson back in 1980 had a great moment of awareness to hit a gap, latch onto a Dearden short ball and then put Capewell over. Did his job and then some 15. Lindsay Collins 8 Surely this bloke gets a start in Sydney. The big man is just built for Origin and relished this contest, one of the Maroons best off the bench. 16. Jeremiah Nanai 6 Came into the match with 27 minutes left in the match after playing all 80 in Origin I. The opportunities didn't come this time, but he will be there in Sydney. 17. Patrick Carrigan 7.5 Came into the action after 23 minutes after the controversial decision from Slater to bench the Broncos star for Origin II. Was tough an old leather boot and will be pressing for a start in Sydney New South Wales 1. Dylan Edwards 7 Struggled to get involved in attack in the first half but showed great hands to snuff out a Toia kick on his own line. Shades of Gorden Tallis and perhaps lucky to stay on the field after bellowing 'that's a bad call' into the face of referee Ashley Klein as frustrations boiled over. Reliable for the most part, though. 2. Brian To'o 8 Questions over his fitness after battling hamstring issues all season. But showed why he is money in the bank with the first try of the game. Was at the end of a set play early in the second half and made no mistake to give his side a sniff. Made it three as the Penrith connection began to dominate the left edge. 3. Stephen Crichton 6 A bit of white line fever early on, caught out trying to catch and pass at the same time. Struggled for involvement as he was blanketed by the Queensland defence, but bullocked his way over for a vital try in the second half. 4. Latrell Mitchell 6.5 A brain explosion early on put his team under pressure, a needless leg pull eventually paving the way for Queensland points. Was charged with the long kicking game for the Blues with Cleary seemingly struggling. It seemed to be a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul, as it meant the damaging Latrell runs Blues fans know and love were fewer and farther between. Was still dangerous, but will want more involvement in Origin III. Latrell Mitchell become his side's No.1 kicker when booting out of trouble and was part of a potent Blues left edge 5. Zac Lomax 3 Gave away a senseless penalty and was placed on report for lashing out at Loeiro with an elbow, gifting Queensland two points. Tried to pinch a field goal in the final seconds of the first half that would have reduced the margin to 19, but missed. He also missed three conversions that would have put more pressure on Queensland. Blew a late attacking raid. Not his best night. 6. Jarome Luai 7 First kick of the match sailed over the sideline in a shocking start after being a late callup for the injured Mitch Moses. Very quickly redeemed himself with a clever kick early in the tackle count to set up To'o for the first points of the match. But was then placed on report for a suspect tackle. Conceded three penalties that didn't help. His connection with Cleary and former teammates on the left edge was undeniable, though. His kick to Angus Crichton to bring the margin back to within four was a thing of beauty. 7. Nathan Cleary 5 Did the four-time premiership winner come into this one underdone? Had his upper left leg strapped and shunned the goalkicking and long kicks in general play. Was later revealed he did not kick in the final captain's run either. An absolute shocker of a cross-field kick did not help the NSW cause. 'That kick there was a shank you never, ever see,' the Eighth Immortal Andrew Johns said in commentary. Was then cruelly denied a brilliant try because of one of his own teammates. Kicked out on the full looking for a 40/20 in the second half. Took on more responsibility as the game went on, but there was no question Cleary was not 100 per cent. 8. Max King 7 Elevated to the starting team after making his Origin debut in Brisbane, the big man from Belmore disappointed nobody. He only had 26 minutes on the field, but rattled up 32 tackles, mopping up the tough stuff in the middle. Had a line break as well, and will keep putting his hand up for a bigger role in the future 9. Reece Robson 7 Known as a wall in defence, Robson took it upon himself to charge into the attack as the Blues took on the game. Copped a nasty head knock that required running repairs, but no HIA required for some reason. 10. Payne Haas 8 This can be a cruel sport. Haas once again had the motor of a classic Toyota Troop Carrier and was enormous in the Blues comeback. But a whack from Capewell dislodged the ball and the greatest comeback of all time was snuffed out. It is hard to blame Haas for it, but ball security should have been critical at that point. Enormous peformance, nonetheless. 11. Liam Martin 4 Textbook hit on Fa'asuamaleaui halted an early Queensland raid in its tracks before coughing the ball up from an almost identical hit from Valentine Holmes. In the end, Martin struggled in offence with just 41 run metres while two missed tackles did not help either. 12. Angus Crichton 7.5 Toiled, but gave away two first-half penalties that put his side under pressure. Was the recipient of a beautiful Luai kick to score a vital try that almost helped steer his side to victory. He's usually one of the best forwards and the field and this was no different. Yeo was once again the linchpin of the Blues forward pack but couldn't get his side over the line 13. Isaah Yeo 8 You always know what you are going to get with Yeo. There or thereabouts to 100 running metres, 32 tackles, no misses, no errors, no penalties conceded. But Mr Reliability was not enough to conjure the miracle. Bench 14. Connor Watson 5 Didn't really have enough opportunity to do much for NSW, but his X-factor in the final 16 minutes could have sparked the winner the Blues desperately needed. It's a hard job being a super sub and Watson didn't get the chocolates this time arond 15. Spencer Leniu 6 He won't die wondering, this bloke. And Leniu absolutely clattered Queensland forward Lindsay Collins in his first act of Origin II. Ran a beautiful decoy to fool Tom Dearden and set up the Blues' second try. Was not as hot-headed as Maroons fans perhaps thought he would be, but that was not a great thing for the Blues either, who could have used a bit more aggression from the big man. 16. Hudson Young 4 Remains a very frustrating player to follow at this level. The flashes of brilliance are tempered by moments of madness and errors that could probably be avoided. There is definite X-factor, but there needs to be more discipline.
News.com.au
18-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Rookie Toia gets one over Latrell
NRL: Only two games into his State of Origin Career Robert Toia has grabbed a try assist to put Queensland level.
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."
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.'
