LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Dragons and Kaiviti Silktails will be facing off in the inaugural Apisai Toga Bowl to honor the legendary Fijian player who had a significant impact on the St George Dragons.
Apisai Toga, also known as 'Harpie', played 65 games for the Dragons from 1968 to 1972 and was one of the first Fijian players to compete in the NSWRL.
Alongside his brother Inisai, Toga quickly became a beloved figure among the Dragons fans, known for his musical talents and performances at the Royal Hotel in Carlton.
Tragically, Toga passed away before the 1973 season after contracting tetanus poisoning from a foot injury he sustained while diving in Fiji.
This weekend, the Dragons and Silktails will pay tribute to Toga's legacy by competing for the Apisai Toga Bowl during their Jersey Flegg Cup clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Toga's impact on the Dragons community and his pioneering role as a Fijian player in the NSWRL will be remembered and celebrated through this special event.
"Toga, who hailed from Saunaka - a small village outside of Nadi, played 65 games for the St George Dragons from 1968 and 1972 and, alongside brother Inisai, quickly grew into a beloved figure among the Dragons faithful.
Affectionately known as 'Harpie', Toga was amongst the first Fijian players to compete in the NSWRL and would go on to wear the Red V on 103 occasions across the club's three grades.
The brothers would regularly play the guitar and showcase their singing talents at Carlton's Royal Hotel after training sessions much to the delight of locals.
Toga tragically passed away prior to the start of the 1973 season after he had returned to Fiji during the off-season where he cut his foot on a combination of coral and barbed wire whilst diving.
He returned to Sydney to commence pre-season training soon after but collapsed during a session at Carss Park having unknowingly contracted tetanus poisoning."