Are we watching a bloke who will go on to be one of the best halfbacks we’ve ever seen? I’m genuinely in awe watching Isaiya Katoa. I reckon I say “this guy is a joke” about 15 times every Dolphins game.
I know people will say “relax” — he’s got a long way to go. And I agree. But tell me another halfback you’ve seen this good at such a young age?
Given the fact that I was born in 1993, the year Andrew Johns debuted, I don’t remember what it was like seeing him burst onto the scene, but it would have to be something like what we’re seeing with Katoa.
He’s 21 years old, and the game is played at whatever pace he wants it to be played at. His ability to slow it down, speed it up, play short or long, his deception with his ball playing is poetry in motion.
His four try assists (and counting) tonight are all examples of the different arrows in his bow: from a show-and-go breaking the line, to long balls, short balls, and his kicking game. The bloke can do it all!
What a play from Katoa to put the Hammer over 🐬 #NRLDolphinsSouths Telstra Moment of the Match. pic.twitter.com/jXEIQHJf1o
— NRL (@NRL) June 28, 2025
I don’t mean to disrespect the Dolphins’ forward pack, but can you imagine what he’d be doing with an elite pack in front of him? He’s currently playing behind a pack of battlers, and they’re missing basically their entire starting forward pack.
Surely the Dolphins are putting together a 10-year deal for Katoa worth a shitload of money. He’ll be worth every penny for this club.
I don’t care how young he is, if Nathan Cleary or Jarome Luai aren’t right to go for Origin, he needs to be there.
