Tongan debut looms for Robert To’ia in high-stakes Sāmoa clash

Robert To’ia says receiving the call to represent Tonga in this year’s Pacific Championships is “pretty surreal”.

To’ia is preparing for his debut in this weekend’s match against Sāmoa. Tonga take on Sāmoa on Sunday in the second round of the Pacific Championships, which is a high-stakes test that could influence the men’s Pacific Cup final. Sāmoa enter this match after a narrow 18-12 loss to New Zealand in Auckland.

Twenty-one-year-old rising star To’ia has had a breakthrough season, being awarded the NRL Rookie of the Year title and selected for State of Origin before joining the Mate Ma’a Tonga (MMT) camp for this year’s Championships.

Speaking with John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Toi’a says the opportunity to play for Tonga fulfils a lifelong dream shared by many young Tongan players. He says it was surreal when Kristian Woolf, the head coach of MMT, called to confirm his selection.

“I wasn't expecting it. It was a big moment for myself and my family. I didn't think it'd be possible this year until Origins, to be honest. It kind of gave me a glimpse of where I might have a chance,” To’ia says.

“If I can play for Origins, I might have a chance at the Tonga team. I didn't really think much into it until the season was over and then [Woolf] gave me a call. It definitely makes my parents [and grandparents] proud.”

Watch Robert To’ia’s full interview on PMN Tonga below.

Sāmoa are facing injury challenges, with three players ruled out due to concussion and several others still undergoing assessment. A win by seven or more points would secure Sāmoa’s spot in the final on 9 November, adding pressure to an already intense derby.

Meanwhile, the Tongan squad arrived in Brisbane this week following a team trip to Tonga, where they spent five days reconnecting with their cultural roots, including a visit with King Tupou VI. For To’ia, wearing the red and white jersey is also a way to reconnect with his heritage.

“Having lived in Australia for a while, I've been a bit distant from my Tongan side, even though both my parents are full Tongan and they speak full Tongan. We weren't really brought up on that. We understand it, but we never really went deep into the culture or anything.”

The match against Sāmoa will be To’ia’s first Test appearance, and he admits to feeling starstruck around some of his team-mates. To manage the nerves, he relies on conversations with his family and his faith.

He also credits his journey to overcoming setbacks, including two major knee injuries that nearly ended his career before it started. To’ia says the Tongan fan base, known as the “Red Sea”, has been a powerful force that fuels the team.

“The same love and intensity that the Red Sea’s been putting out for the last however long, has been so beautiful. That’s one thing I'm excited to play for. The people, the culture, you see how much everyone gets around it, it's so special. There's no other fans like the MMT fans.”

The Tonga-Sāmoa Test match kicks off Sunday afternoon at Lang Park in Brisbane. Fans in New Zealand can watch the clash between Mate Ma’a Tonga and Toa Sāmoa live on Sky Sport, with streaming available through Sky Sport Now.

For more information on where to watch this and other Pacific Championships’ games, click here.