Dolphins’ Isaiya Katoa tipped to spearhead revolution for club and country

“For him as a player he’ll be fighting for bigger accolades in the NRL and that’s representative footy. The sky’s the limit for him.”

While Katoa’s form, much like many of his Dolphins’ squad mates, dipped over the season – winning just four of their final 15 games – the Penrith product showed signs of promise that defied his tender years.

Finishing his 22 games with eight try assists, eight line break assists and 10 forced drop-outs, his first stint among the elite mirrored that of other teenage halfbacks who have since gone on to establish formidable resumes.

Panthers maestro Nathan Cleary, who has become arguably the NRL’s best player, had a similar output as an 18-year-old – finishing with eight try assists and five forced drop-outs in his maiden campaign.