SYDNEY SHOCK: Queensland Maroons Young Gun Robert Toia Avoids Suspension—but Faces Major Setback Ahead of State of Origin Decider
Sydney, NSW – In a week full of tension and selection headaches, the Queensland Maroons have narrowly dodged a judicial bullet—but not without consequence. Rising star Robert Toia has avoided suspension after a contentious incident in Queensland Cup action over the weekend, but he now finds himself facing a major downfall that could jeopardize his momentum and standing in the Maroons’ system.
While Toia remains eligible for the State of Origin decider on July 9, the promising outside back’s future has taken a sudden turn, and not for the better.
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No Charge, but No Celebration Either
Toia, a standout in the Maroons’ extended squad this year and part of Queensland’s youth development pipeline, was facing scrutiny after a tackle deemed careless during the closing stages of the Burleigh Bears’ clash with the Wynnum Manly Seagulls. The hit left opposition winger Jordan Pereira clutching his jaw on the turf, triggering concerns that the judiciary could come down hard on the 21-year-old, especially in the lead-up to a crucial representative selection window.
Fortunately for Toia, the match review committee ruled the contact as accidental and unworthy of a charge—a sigh of relief for Queensland selectors and coach Billy Slater, who have closely monitored Toia’s rise in recent months.
But while the young gun may have dodged the suspension list, what followed could prove far more damaging to his Origin trajectory.
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Fitness and Form Now in Question
Toia, who had been training under Maroons legend and current assistant coach Johnathan Thurston during Origin camp earlier this month, pulled up sore following the game. Medical staff have since confirmed he is dealing with a minor but frustrating groin strain, which is expected to rule him out of action for at least 2-3 weeks.
While not a long-term injury, the timing couldn’t be worse. With just 10 days left before the State of Origin decider in Brisbane, Toia now finds himself racing the clock to prove his fitness—not only for this series, but for his overall standing in the Maroons’ future plans.
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“It’s Heartbreaking”: Toia Speaks Out
Speaking to reporters outside the Bears’ training facility in Burleigh on Friday morning, Toia admitted he’s “gutted” by the setback.
> “It’s heartbreaking. I’ve worked so hard just to be in the frame for a Queensland jersey. To get the call-up for camp earlier this year was a dream come true,” he said. “Now it feels like all that momentum is slipping away. I’ll do everything I can to get right, but it’s tough.”
The Dolphins-affiliated youngster has been touted as one of the NRL’s most exciting prospects, capable of covering both wing and centre positions with equal impact. Known for his speed, upper-body strength, and defensive instincts, Toia has impressed in both Hostplus Cup and in Maroons pathways trials.
But as Origin Game 3 looms, Billy Slater is expected to stick with more experienced options—especially if Toia remains under an injury cloud.
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Queensland’s Backline Depth Being Tested
Toia’s setback couldn’t come at a more fragile time for Queensland. With Xavier Coates already in doubt due to an ankle issue and Valentine Holmes battling rib soreness, the Maroons’ backline depth is wearing thin. Toia had been earmarked as the next man in should either star fall short.
Now, that door could swing open for someone else—perhaps Selwyn Cobbo, who was left out of Game 2 due to form and fitness concerns, or Corey Oates, who has returned to solid club form with the Broncos.
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Coaching Staff Respond to Toia’s Situation
Maroons assistant coach Nate Myles addressed the situation on Friday, admitting it’s a “tough blow” for a young player who had been making all the right moves.
> “Robert’s been outstanding in every session we’ve had him. His attitude, his preparation—it’s exactly what we want in a Queensland player,” Myles said. “But the game is cruel sometimes. It’s not just about avoiding suspension—it’s about timing, and this groin issue is just real unfortunate.”
Still, the Maroons camp insists Toia’s long-term future remains bright.
> “We’re building for the future as much as the present. If Rob’s not ready for Game 3, that doesn’t change how we see him going forward,” Myles added.
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Not the First Setback in 2025
This isn’t the first time Toia has had to bounce back from adversity this year. He suffered a broken thumb in Round 2 of the Queensland Cup and was sidelined for a month, only to return with a vengeance—scoring four tries in his next five appearances and earning praise from both Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett and Queensland selectors.
Now, he faces a similar uphill battle to salvage a season that’s had moments of brilliance but has too often been interrupted by injury.
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Fans Rally Behind Toia
Despite the disappointing news, Toia’s supporters have taken to social media to express their belief in his potential. #RobToiaFutureMaroons trended briefly on Friday morning, with fans urging the young star to “keep his head up” and “come back stronger.”
“He’s got Maroons blood in him. This is just a detour,” one fan wrote. “Toia’s time will come.”
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What’s Next?
Toia will begin a light rehabilitation program this weekend, with a fitness assessment scheduled for early next week. If he shows rapid improvement, a late recall to Queensland’s extended squad remains on the table. However, given the cautious approach the Maroons have taken with other players this series, the more likely scenario is that Toia is rested for the remainder of the rep calendar.
For now, Toia’s non-suspension is a relief, but it’s overshadowed by the cruel timing of an injury that threatens to halt his rise—at least temporarily. The Queensland Maroons may still call upon him in the near future, but his shot at an Origin debut in 2025 appears to have slipped through his fingers.
And in rugby league, that’s sometimes the hardest loss to take—not a suspension or a defeat, but the one opportunity that just didn’t arrive in time.
