Simply the Best: centres to renew rivalry in decider

Scott Bailey |

Bradman Best beat Robert Toia in their State of Origin meeting, now Toia wants the grand final win.
Bradman Best beat Robert Toia in their State of Origin meeting, now Toia wants the grand final win.

Robert Toia has declared he wants to atone for State of Origin and get one back on Bradman Best in the NRL grand final against Newcastle.

The matchup between Toia and Best looms as one of the most exciting of Sunday’s decider, with both Origin stars in form at the end of the season.

Best claimed bragging honours in their one Origin clash earlier this season, busting six tackles and scoring a contentious run-away try that proved pivotal for NSW when marking on the Sydney Roosters youngster.

NRL
Bradman Best of the Blues is tackled by Robert Toia of the Maroons during Origin 3 this year. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

“I was a bit bummed he only played one game and got one over me. I want to get him back against in the GF,” Toia said.

“He’s such a gun. He’s got so many tools in his arsenal.

“He’s a big body and he’s also so quick. He’s got great agility, he can cut left, he can cut right. And he has a good fend on him. He’s got it all.”

NRL
Robert Toia plans on having his own big moments in Sunday’s NRL decider. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

Best is also one of the NRL’s premier big-game players.

In three Origin matches he has scored a hat-trick on debut, a powerful match winner in the 2024 decider and pulled off this year’s heroics.

He has also had damaging finals series for the Knights, benefiting from good early ball and making linebreaks against both the Warriors and Penrith.

“I enjoy those situations. Backs against the wall, big moments,” Best said.

“A little moment can turn into a big moment. And when the big moments are there, it’s just going after it and icing it.

“I do enjoy the big games because I feel like you get to establish yourself personally. You find out who you are.

“The doubters and stuff, they’re always going to be there in those games. But it’s always good to shut a few of them up as well.”

NRL
Bradman Best loves the opportunity to step up and deliver on the game’s big stages. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

And in Toia and Mark Nawaqanitawase, Best knows he and wing partner Greg Marzhew are up for a fight against the Roosters at Accor Stadium.

“It excites me. It’s a great challenge,” Best said.

“(Rob) has been killing it all year. So I’ll have my work cut out for me.

“He’s powerful. He’s strong. He’s fast. He’s athletic. He’s a great centre.

“With him and Marky Mark. It’s a great challenge for me and Greggy.”

AAP