Toia's Family Ties and Finals Fervor: Roosters Star Ready for Farnworth Challenge

Roosters flyer Robert Toia is set to face a tough challenge in Friday night's preliminary final against Herbie Farnworth, but he won't have to do it alone. The 22-year-old will have a significant amount of family and friends in the stands at a sold-out Lang Park, including some close relatives.

A Family Affair

As a Redcliffe junior and one of 10 siblings, Toia has a large support network, but he's also got some kin close at hand for his battle with Farnworth. "Me, Salesi Foketi and Siua Wong, we're all related," Toia said. "We're cousins through our grandparents. Me and Salesi have always known since we were young, but Siua we only found out last year."

Wong will line up at second row alongside Toia on the Tricolours right edge, against Farnworth and Toia's State of Origin teammate Max Plath. Both Toia and Wong know what to expect from the intense atmosphere of "The Cauldron" at Lang Park.

Foketi's Rise to Prominence

Foketi has been a later starter, only securing a place in the run-on side in recent weeks, but Toia is full of praise for his cousin. "I'm so proud of him. Everything is God's timing, because he was battling and playing Cup in the beginning of the year, but he got an opportunity and took it with both hands," Toia said. "He's one of the best backrowers in the comp."

The Challenge of Farnworth

Toia has a tough task ahead of him, trying to contain Farnworth, who is considered one of the best centres in the world. Farnworth leads the NRL in tackle breaks with 161 and is first among all players for offloads with 75.

"You see the tackle-busting ability he has, but his work rate is underrated. He's always involved, on the offensive side and the defensive side," Toia said. "I think pressuring him, shutting him down, getting my D movements right and hopefully, I can stop him from doing what he does best."

Toia's Form and Ambition

Toia comes into the match in impressive form, having scored in both the Roosters' finals matches. He's also confident that his team can produce a strong performance. "I got a bit lucky there," Toia said. "The boys just put me in the right spots and I was just moving for them."

"It's the best feeling [winning]. It's been frustrating for a lot of the year, we haven't been able to produce our brand of game, so it was good to show a glimpse of that. I feel like we still haven't played 80 minutes of Roosters footy."