Get his name': How a delayed flight saw Roosters snare prodigy from under rival's nose

Robert Toia’s path to the Sydney Roosters traces back to a delayed flight and a two-minute stop at an Under-15s trial in Brisbane. Recruiting boss Daniel Anderson arrived late after the delay, visited Norths Devils’ trial, and quickly saw Toia, then a fullback, catch a ball, fend and step through defenders. “Go get his name. I want him now for the Roosters,” Anderson told Toia’s father, Beau, according to the account. Toia had been in the Redcliffe Dolphins academy for Under-14s and Under-15s and later prioritized school at Nudgee College, balancing training and games across both programs. He was also linked to the Broncos pathways at ages 12 and 13, and had interest from the Queensland Reds after being named in the World Schoolboys XV as a center. The story adds that basketball was another sport he played competitively.