He could solely be 18-years previous and don’t have any NRL expertise, however Isaiya Katoa’s Dolphins teammates imagine he’s “100 per cent got it.”
Dolphins followers will get their first have a look at Katoa within the membership’s first trial match towards CQ Capras at Marley Brown Oval on Saturday evening.
The Penrith junior has been named at halfback in a crew that additionally options Queensland Cup standout Trai Fuller, rugby union convert Valynce Te Whare, in addition to former Rooster, Warrior and Dragon Poasa Faamausili.
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At this stage, Sean O’Sullivan has his nostril in entrance for the No.7 jersey within the season opener, however Kodi Nikorima informed foxsports.com.au: “if (Katoa) impresses in the trials I can’t see why he can’t be there come Round 1.”
Katoa joined the Dolphins in December contemporary off representing Tonga within the Rugby League World Cup.
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And now he appears to be like set to get a style of the NRL in 2023.
“He’s got it,” Nikorima mentioned with out hesitation when requested about Katoa.
“For such a young bloke, he’s very calm, he’s level-headed and he’s pretty smart too and is mature for his age.
“The thing I like the most about him is his tempo when he’s playing, going from slow to fast or fast to slow. I don’t know where he learnt it but he’s definitely one to look out for.”
Veteran prop Jarrod Wallace agreed, declaring to foxsports.com.au: “He 100 per cent has it.”
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“I think he’s going to be fantastic,” Wallace added.
“His natural ability is outrageous, the way he takes the line on, his footwork — you really don’t know what he’s going to do.
“He hasn’t even played an NRL game yet but he leads the team around like he’s played 50.
“I think having Wayne (Bennett) and Kristian Woolf there it’s only going to make him even better.”
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The Dolphins gained the race for probably the most wanted schoolboys expertise when Katoa signed a three-year deal simply weeks after his 18th birthday.
It infuriated the Panthers, who he starred for in SG Ball final yr after being developed within the Penrith system. The membership responded by dropping Katoa from all decrease grade groups as soon as the SG Ball season was completed.
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The younger half as a substitute performed native A-grade for the Glenmore Park Brumbies till he obtained an S.O.S from the Panthers late within the season.
He carved up for Penrith on debut in New South Wales Cup, scoring a attempt to getting two strive assists. A few weeks later he kicked the matchwinning subject purpose within the membership’s Jersey Flegg grand closing win over Newcastle.
Katoa’s efforts in SG Ball earned him a call-up for Tonga’s mid-season Test and two video games throughout the World Cup.
Source: www.foxsports.com.au