LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy

The Tongan way: How hard work and culture set Toia on path to success

Robert Toia attributes his Tongan roots as the foundation for overcoming multiple career challenges and is eager to honor that heritage when he dons the red jersey for the first time at Suncorp Stadium this weekend.

This moment marks a full-circle experience for the State of Origin center, beginning with his chance to explore his parents' origins last week and culminating in his opportunity to represent his culture in Brisbane, where he grew up playing rugby league.

Toia's rapid ascent culminates in an international debut.

However, the path to 2025 has not been without its obstacles. Toia faced two ACL tears and a broken jaw over a three-year period before the current season.

Reflecting on these setbacks, Toia acknowledges that this downtime allowed him to refine his skills in preparation for his long-awaited debut.