After enduring three years of injuries, including two ACL ruptures and a broken jaw, 20-year-old Robert Toia marked his NRL debut season with a breakout performance, scoring two tries in the Sydney Roosters’ 36-26 Magic Round victory over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.
Toia amassed 167 running metres, two line breaks, and seven tackle busts, asserting himself against Herbie Farnworth and laying on a try for Mark Nawaqanitawase in a dominant display.
James Tedesco was instrumental with 200 metres and two try assists, while Victor Radley bagged a double and Naufahu Whyte impressed with 144 metres and 25 tackles.
The Roosters overcame the early loss of five-eighth Sandon Smith to a concussion, while the Dolphins, missing several key forwards, struggled to gain momentum despite individual brilliance from Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and late tries by Farnworth and Nikorima.
