Robert Toia has quietly become one of the Sydney Roosters' most lethal weapons, and the Newcastle Knights can't afford to lose sight of the young centre.
The Sydney Roosters have a variety of players capable of deciding a grand final, but Toia may just prove to be the most dangerous of them all.
Players such as Mark Nawaqanitawase, Sam Walker and James Tedesco will naturally attract attention for the Newcastle camp. Sitting just beyond that though is Queensland debutant Toia.
Toia has had a breakout season as the star centre, as he has scored 15 tries, 13 try-assists and 18 line breaks. He also averages 112 running metres a game.
Defensively, Toia is also a huge asset for the Roosters, with the centre averaging a tackle efficiency of 89.5%.
However, one of Toia's biggest strengths is his partnership with Mark Nawaqanitawase. The duo has proven to be a fantastic attacking combination for the Sydney side. The two have spent the last two seasons with each other, developing their game to what it is today.
Nawaqanitawase has become arguably the best winger in the competition, even if the Dally M Medal ceremony ignored that face on Wednesday evening, and is capable of creating something spectacular from nothing.
The duo's chemistry is undeniable, as the two can predict each other's movements, and it was shown through their performance in the preliminary final against the Redcliffe Dolphins.
It is the type of combination Newcastle will need to monitor for the full 80 minutes.
The 22-year-old star has proven he thrives on the big stage with his Origin series experience this year. He remained a consistent option for the Queensland Maroons and proved why he belongs in the Origin arena.
Toia also had a stellar performance during the Chooks' semi-final 46-10 win against the Cronulla Sharks, scoring a try, having one try assist, and eight tackle breaks.
The Queenslander has developed his game significantly, and the 2026 season has been a great display of this. He has become more confident carrying the ball, looking for opportunities rather than waiting for them, and taking on defenders.
A specific statistic that shines for Toia this season is his tackle breaks; in 2026, Toia has 112 tackle breaks.
This forces the Knights to prepare for the individual moments rather than the generic attacking structure of the Sydney Roosters - something that ultimately it would be hard to accuse the club of having anyway given their weapons all over the park.
Robert Toia's impact for the Roosters has been consistent throughout the season and through the finals. That consistency is important.
He is not simply putting together high numbers and strong performances against lower-ranked teams; he continues to have an impact for teams that are higher-ranked in the league.
Toia provides a unique talent for the Sydney Roosters, as the variety of his game can be harder for teams to defend. He is able to beat defenders independently and creates opportunities for teammates around him.
Newcastle's edge defenders will need to be disciplined around not only him but also his partner Mark Nawaqanitawase. If you give Toia too much space, he can attack the defensive line; if players overcommit, his footwork can create an opening, and he has the ability to find space on the outside.
This makes Toia especially dangerous, as the Grand Final only needs one moment to change the entire momentum.
The grand final allows Toia to show his development, as last season he was establishing himself in the NRL. He is now a 22-year-old one game away from a premiership, and Toia is an integral part of the Roosters' success.
Now he has the opportunity to show why Newcastle can't lose sight of him.
