Halves bolter Trent Toelau was named in the Kiwis’ 2024 Pacific Championships squad despite being yet to start an NRL match.
Toelau took an unorthodox route to becoming embedded in Penrith Panthers’ much-vaunted system, starring for Melbourne Storm’s SG Ball Cup (Victoria Thunderbolts) and Jersey Flegg teams, then getting noticed by the Panthers while playing for St Mary’s in the Penrith District competition.
The 21-year-old received a taste of NSW Cup with the Panthers in 2021-22 and became a regular at five-eighth or halfback in 2023.
Toelau made 12 NRL interchange appearances for the premiers in 2024 – scoring his maiden first-grade try in a big win over St George Illawarra – before returning to NSW Cup duty for the finals with the Panthers back at full strength.
A slew of playmaker injuries in the Kiwis’ ranks saw Toelau nab a place in New Zealand’s squad for the end-of-season campaign, though he was not called upon.
