The Dolphins have confirmed the signing of Penrith Panthers junior Isaiya Katoa, inking the young gun on a three-year deal on his birthday.
After multiple reports indicating that the NRL’s newest club was close to securing the 18-year-old, the club confirmed the news in a statement today.
“Isaiya is one of the most sought-after young playmakers in the game, so this is a really big coup for the Dolphins,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said.
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“We have already built significant depth and experience in our forward pack and there is no doubt that this plays a part in enticing young talent to join our squad.
“We recognise the potential Isaiya has and are excited about what he can become when he begins working with head coach Wayne Bennett every day.”
Katoa, younger brother of Sione, is set to join the club from the Panthers – who are furious that they have had yet another promising young prospect stolen away. He has been described as “the best young prospect in the game” by Nine NRL reporter Ben Dobbin.
Despite the Panthers’ success, the path for Katoa to play in the halves in first grade was blocked by both Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary, who are only 25 and 24, respectively.
“This young man has been absolutely ranked by Penrith as the best up-and-comer for his age group, in Australia, at halfback,” Dobbin added on Triple M.
Despite no clear path for Katoa to play his preferred position at the foot of the mountains, Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said the system needs to change.
“There has to be protection or compensation,” Fletcher told the Daily Telegraph. “It’s a waste of time developing them. For us and other developing clubs (rival teams) can just sit there and pluck them out.”
“It’s frustrating but that’s the rules at the moment.”
Maroons star Felise Kaufusi, as well as brothers Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, have all inked muli-year deals with the Dolphins from 2023. Those three players combined have won seven premierships at the Storm.
The new club has also locked in veteran forward Mark Nicholls, Broncos young gun Jamayne Isaako, Eels forward Ray Stone, and several future prospects.
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