Queensland Maroons 2025 debutant Robert Toia has agreed to play for Tonga in this year’s Pacific Championships, just days after NSW Blues forward Payne Haas committed his international future to Samoa.
According to multiple reports 21-year-old Toia has informed Tonga boss Kristian Woolf of his availability in another blow to incoming Australian coach Kevin Walters who could be very light on centres as he looks to build the squad for the end of season Kangaroo Tour to England.
Brisbane Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs is also believed to be seriously considering an allegiance switch back to Tonga, having played three tests between 2019 and 2022 before representing the Kangaroos in 2023.
“Robert is very proud of his Tongan heritage and the conversation was great because he has thought about it for a long while,” Woolf said of Toia’s international decision.
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“He has been exceptional this year and his footy has just got better and better,” Woolf continued.
Toia was born in Auckland of Tongan heritage and grew up in Australia having moved to Brisbane when he was six years old—making him eligible to play for Tonga, New Zealand or Australia.
Toia will link with a powerful Tongan side led by captain Addin Fonua-Blake and rising Dolphins star, Isaiya Katoa.
Tonga faces Samoa for the first time since the quarter finals of the 2022 World Cup in a Suncorp Stadium blockbuster on October 26.
It remains to be seen if Toa Samoa will also feature Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, following this week’s confirmation of Payne Haas.