Tonga’s 21-year-old halfback, Isaiya Katoa, has already broken the national all-time point-scoring record, with potentially a decade or more left in his career.
The young playmaker, widely regarded as a top talent, heads into Tonga’s Pacific Cup match against Samoa at Suncorp Stadium with an impressive record. According to NRL statistician David Middleton, whose records date back to 1995, Katoa leads the way with 67 points across nine Test matches (two tries, 29 goals, and one field goal).
”I have Isaiya out in front of Siosiua Taukeiaho on 60 points, from two tries and 26 goals.”
Middleton also noted Katoa’s longevity.
”He will be around for a while too. He is coming up to 10 Tests and he is only 21.”
Tonga co-captain Jason Taumalolo praised Katoa’s maturity, recalling his performance during the 2022 World Cup.
”We knew how mature he was when he was doing school exams at the 2022 World Cup.”
“To go from that to where he is now speaks volumes for what kind of player Izzy is.”
Taumalolo expressed confidence in Katoa’s dominant playing style and leadership for such a young player.
”The feature of Izzy this year, and looking ahead, is for a young half to be so dominant. You don’t see many halves come through and play the way he does.”
“I am sure the boys are confident going into this game having Izzy alongside them steering the ship. Whatever Izzy says, goes.”
Coach Kristian Woolf believes Katoa will be even better in this year’s Pacific Cup after his best NRL season with the Dolphins. Woolf was impressed with Katoa’s dedication and preparation for the Tests.
”I know he’s really hungry to get into this camp.”
“We watched a little bit of video and had a bit of a chat about how we want to play.”
“You could just tell in the way he spoke and how engaged he was that he’d been thinking about it well before I had, so he’s ready to go.”
Woolf credits last season’s high-level experience for his expected improvement.
”I think last year’s (Pacific Cup) series gave him a lot of confidence in what he can do at such a high level against Australia in two games and against the Kiwis as well.”
“I just know that he’s coming in so much more confident, so better prepared.”
“He’s going to be a better player again, and I’m sure he’ll get more confidence out of this series as well.”
Source: Australian Associated Press
