When he made his Queensland debut last year, Rob Toia made headlines as one of the most inexperienced players in Origin history.
Plucked from relative obscurity by coach Billy Slater with just the 10 NRL games under his belt, only Ben Ikin in 1995 debuted with fewer games, having played five first grade games.
However, the Roosters centre credits his time in Queensland Under 19 camp for setting him on his future path, learning what it takes to don the Maroons jersey.
Toia represented the junior Queensland representative team in 2022, alongside fellow 2026 series Maroons Jojo Fifita and Finefeuiaki Kulikefu.
“That was actually a great experience, I experienced it with Jojo actually (playing in the centres), and it was definitely, at the time, the pinnacle for myself,” Toia said.
“I felt like it was a great stepping stone to where I am now.
“(That) Origin, it was a great week in camp with the boys, with our coach Kurt Richards and I think it was a great stepping stone to being a Maroon.
“I think it's a good thing for igniting the passion inside.
“I feel like everyone kind of has that Queensland spirit inside, but I think what the Under 19 Origin did; it kind of ignited that and just put a light to it and how much rivalry there is.”
Inside camp: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
As well as the big occasion, the camp also helped highlight the small details that have helped him to become a professional player, making his debut in the NRL, State of Origin and international stage for Tonga last year.
“Definitely, it's recovery as well and all that little stuff that's not really talked about or that's not really shown on the field,” Toia said of his overall experience back in the junior representative camp.
“It's huge and it shows.
“That's one of reasons the best perform the way they perform because they're able to recover well.”
Now, Toia is in camp with Queensland having touched down in Melbourne on Friday to prepare for the must-win Game Two at the MCG.
Having gotten off to a good start on Game One, Queensland were looking in control before the whole complexion of the match changed with Kalyn Ponga’s send off for a shoulder charge. However Toia said he personally had plenty he wanted to work on, feeling he had more to give in Game Two, despite scoring his side's opening try.
“I think from Game One, just the attitude we brought into Game One was good … (but) individually I feel like I lacked it a bit (of intensity),” Toia said.
“I just know I could be better.
“I feel like I was a bit sloppy in some areas and I feel like so many areas of my game (that are) usually at a high standard that weren’t really … I didn't really showcase.
“I just hold myself (to that standard). I think I am a realist, especially being in this level, Origin level … it's the best of the best, so I think if I don't hold myself to high standards, then what am I doing here in a way.
“(But) as a whole, I feel like we all had the right attitude and we all brought the intensity that was needed for each (other).
“But we didn't get the result in the end, but I think it was a good stepping stone for Game Two.”
Toia will be in action for Queensland at the MCG on Wednesday night, while the future generation of men's and women's Origin stars will showcase their skills on Thursday evening.
Match: NSW U19s v QLD U19s
Round 1 -
home Team
NSW U19s
away Team
QLD U19s
Venue: North Sydney Oval, Sydney
Witness the next generation of NRL and NRLW stars live in the State of Origin Under 19 at North Sydney Oval. Tickets are available from just $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Click here to get yours today.
