Isaiya Katoa has ensured he remains a front-runner for New South Wales with a fine performance against the Sydney Roosters to propel the Dolphins into the NRL’s top four.
The Dolphins full-back, called up to Blues camp this week as Mitchell Moses’ back-up, scored in his side’s 48-10 win in a clash that missed 12 players through State of Origin duties between the teams.
This was the case of the game’s best No. 7 against one of its biggest leaders in Daly Cherry-Evans. And by trying, a hand in several others, and 687 meters kicks, Katoa was in a class of his own.
The 22-year-old’s early kicking game was composed and perfect for the wet conditions, rarely going astray from last-minute bombs aimed at Sydney winger Tommy Talau. The pressure eventually led to an error, with the Dolphins star throwing a brilliant game to sell Cherry-Evans in the next set to seal the opening try.
The way he used the line opened up five-eighth Kodi Nikorima, with the Kiwi playing key roles in tries for Herbie Farnworth and Trai Fuller. He even pulled off a brilliant second-half trick – setting up his sixth goal, with Jeremy Marshall-King, Connelly Lemuelu, Brad Schneider and Tevita Naufahu all scoring later.
Sydney would be frustrated to be denied the opening points, after Salesi Foketi was squeezed by the bedroom for two moves – Francis Molo clinging to him, but the Roosters lock seemed to have speed on his side.
However, from then on, they failed to face the Dolphins squad under the leadership of Katoa, while also losing Reece Foley and Hugo Savala due to a head injury assessment. Consolation tries for forwards Rex Bassingthwaighte and Toby Rodwell added respectability to the score.
Nathan Cleary may have a mortgage on the New South Wales flyhalf, but his former Panthers legend will remain hot on his heels.
“It was good for him to get that experience, to go around with guys like Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses, and I think that’s all part of his development,” Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said of Katoa’s time in Blues camp on Friday night.
“I’ve seen him grow in confidence over the last 12 months, being around those camps last year, and going to camp this year and again being close to the level of players there. I think that’s helping him a lot in terms of his confidence and his communication.
“He might pick up one or two little things, but it’s all little things that come back and help us as well.”
The Dolphins, however, will be sweating on the fitness of leading scorer Jamayne Isaako, who withdrew in the final play of the game, groaning in pain and clutching his arm.
Full full
Having inked a one-year contract extension to stay at the Dolphins, Fuller proved once again that he was an NRL replacement player.
Stepping into the full-back gap left by Maroons ace Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, the 29-year-old was fearless in everything he did.
Every move he made was quick and direct without defensive thought, running 156 meters to the break before scoring the first try after the break, setting up Oryn Keeley’s cross set up by Nikorima.
His effort – finishing with a 266-metre dash – raised the question again of how long he can remain in reserve. It was Fuller’s sharp kick after a strong Dolphins defense that led to a quick play for Naufahu to break through the line, and move to keeper Farnworth for an easier try.
While Redcliffe youngster Fuller will be out of contract as Papua New Guinea Chiefs join the competition, and Woolf suggested on the eve of Friday’s clash that they needed to find more ways to wire in more directly if they were to retain his services long-term.
“We’re still going to keep looking for him, and he had a role in the centers back in the Warriors game, and he did a little bit in the first round as well. We know he can work on the wing as well,” Woolf said.
“We have incredible depth through the backcourt and off the boards, so his opportunities have been more or less limited, I think, but every time he comes in, he does a great job. He brings energy, he brings toughness, he’s someone I know every player out there wants to play with.”
Gilbert’s Message of the Maroons
While he would undoubtedly be disappointed to miss out on Queensland selection, Tom Gilbert’s renaissance has ensured his name will remain on Billy Slater’s radar.
Slowly coming back from the better part of three years on the sidelines with injuries, the Dolphins co-captain came off the bench with a lot of energy.
Finishing with 140 meters from 13 carries and 33 tackles, he ensured the early pace set by Molo (153 meters) continued.
Gilbert told reporters last week that returning to the Maroons squad had been his biggest motivation to get back to full fitness, after suffering chest, shoulder and knee problems. However, Woolf insisted on Thursday that a recall was coming in the near future.
“I don’t think his movement in particular (when he first came back) was back to where we all know it could be. If he gets some real walking and exercise, you can see he’s starting to move better,” he said.
“He still has the same work ethic, energy and passion that he plays with. I know he’s going to be a little disappointed, I’m disappointed for him … I have no doubt he would be considered.
“He’ll be considered for the third match, I’m sure.”
