LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Queensland head coach Billy Slater has highlighted two positives from his team's disappointing Game 1 State of Origin loss against New South Wales: debutant Robert Toia and forward Jeremiah Nanai.
The Maroons struggled throughout the match, which saw them on the defensive from the outset.
Their performance was salvaged somewhat by a try scored during Brian To'o's sin bin period, coupled with New South Wales missing all four conversion attempts.
Toia, who stepped in as a surprise selection for Queensland after only ten NRL games with the Sydney Roosters, stood out as one of the better players on the field for the Maroons.
Slater expressed confidence in the young player, stating, "Really good.
I expected him to play like that.
It has been a pleasure to get to know him over the last week and a half." He praised Toia's attitude and work ethic, describing him as "a great young man, really humble and respectful." According to Slater, Toia understands the less glamorous aspects of the game, which contributed to his selection and performance.
Despite the loss, Slater's recognition of Toia and Nanai signals a focus on developing young talent within the team.