Dolphins teen sensation Isaiya Katoa has declared that he will not waiver from Tonga on the international stage, even if super coach Wayne Bennett were to nab the New Zealand head coaching role.
Katoa made his international debut for Tonga during the 2022 Rugby League World Cup before a breakout rookie season in the NRL.
Born in Lower Hutt, New Zealand before relocating to Sydney with his family, who are of Tongan and Cook Islands descent, when he was nine years old — Katoa is eligible to represent Australia, NSW, New Zealand and Tonga.
READ MORE: ‘Strange’ Kostecki saga’s silver lining for Supercars
READ MORE: NRL twist in Beale’s comeback plans after court case
READ MORE: Gus battling three clubs to keep Dogs forward
Bennett has shown a huge amount of faith in the 19-year-old after he was recruited out of the famed Panthers system in 2022.
After signing the then 18-year-old on a three-year deal, Katoa was selected by Bennett in the Dolphins’ inaugural match last season at the expense of former million-dollar-a-season star Anthony Milford.
Last month, Bennett voiced his interest in returning to the Kiwis’ top job.
Asked if he would consider switching allegiances if Bennett were to be unveiled in the role, Katoa pledged his loyalty to Tonga.
“I’m happy staying with Tonga and continuing what the team is trying to build,” he told Wide World of Sports.
“It’s a bit tricky because I’m eligible for a lot of different countries and I’ve always said that once I choose one, unless I’m not getting what I want out of it, I’m not going to change.
Watch the NRL All Stars clash on Friday February 16 live and free on Nine and 9Now
“[That includes] whether Wayne is coaching or not.
”I want success with the Tongan team and we haven’t quite got there yet so I’m definitely looking to stay with the Tongan team.
“We’re working as hard as we can to build something special over there and we’re heading in the right direction, so I’ll definitely be staying with the Tongan team.”
Under State of Origin eligibility relating to tier one rugby league nations, if Katoa were to put his hand up for the Kiwis, he would be unable to pull on a Blues jersey in the future.
In explaining his initial decision, Katoa stated how the Pacific revolution at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and Tonga’s rise in 2019 steered him towards siding with Tonga.
“What got [Tonga] over the line was the 2019 tour of Great Britain, the game when they beat them and then a week later beat Australia,” he said.
“I was still a young kid at that stage so to see some of those guys sacrifice the high honours of the Kiwis or the Kangaroos to come back and play for the nation and give back to their family and their people, I was inspired.
“Once I saw that, I was set. I thought, ‘If I ever get the chance to represent Tonga I’ll stick with them and go for that success again’.”
Katoa also listed wanting to show his thanks and appreciation to the people of Tonga.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if half of them are my family,” he joked about the Tongan fans.
“They are so loving and so passionate — some of the most passionate supporters you’ll meet.
“And they don’t care what the results are, they’re just there to celebrate and get the team up.
“I’m definitely looking forward to playing for them again. Hopefully, we can get a game in Australia, New Zealand or Tonga soon because, with games having recently been played in England, I think it’s something the fans would appreciate.”