Dolphins rookie No.7 Isaiya Katoa was thrilled when his coach Wayne Bennett made a post-match comment that he was not in Allan Langer’s class…yet.
Katoa, 19, had just played a key role in steering the Dolphins to an all-time, record-equalling comeback in Australian premiership history in Sunday’s 28-26 win over the Titans. The Dolphins trailed 26-0 after 26 minutes.
Bennett, in the post-match presser, agreed Katoa was a mature footballer, before adding: “He has got a long way to go. He is not Allan Langer yet.”
Four-time premiership winning No.7 Langer has been recognised by Bennett as “the greatest ever Bronco” and deserving of Immortal status.
When told of Bennett’s quip, Katoa was over the moon.
“I definitely understand that. That is awesome from Wayne,” Katoa said.
“As a young kid coming through I need someone to be pushing me the right way and Wayne has always done that.
“He challenges me every week to go up that next level, like he will this week. It is awesome he keeps me on my toes and makes sure I don’t get ahead of myself.
“Wayne has congratulated me here and there, but always kept me grounded. He has put a lot of belief in me to back myself as a young kid.”
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Bennett has praised Katoa this year in his media interactions, but the seven-time premiership-winning coach does not intend to overdo it.
His method is to keep a lid on hype surrounding young players, particularly very good ones as Katoa clearly is.
His “not Allan Langer” comment was not a slight. That he said it at all is testament to how well Katoa is regarded.
Bennett has put faith in the young man from round one, when he could have initially plumped for Anthony Milford or Kodi Nikorima to partner Sean O’Sullivan in the club’s inaugural NRL match.
Katoa’s composure has been a highlight of his football. He threw four dummies and the Titans hung off him as he zig-zagged across the field to set up a crucial try for winger Robert Jennings in the second half. It was an audacious play.
There was a moment on the comeback trail when he kicked the ball straight up in the air on the last tackle. It was a mistake. Instead of panicking, he secured possession and kicked it again with a cool head.
“It is massive, especially when it comes down to the tougher games, the finals or the Queensland derbies…to stay composed and put yourself in a position to get kicks in spots you want and finish good sets,” Katoa said.
“In terms of the composure, I’ve had a lot of help from the coaching staff and Wayne. They have put a lot of belief in me to take control of the team and steer them around.”
His fellow halves at the club have also assisted, as have his studies of Penrith maestro Nathan Cleary.
“Obviously being a Penrith junior I watched him a lot. Nathan is so calm when it comes to the big moments,” Katoa said.
“He is great at putting teams in bad spots. He has got a great kicking game and can steer a team around. As a half if you can stay composed yourself it has a flow-on effect on your teammates”
© AAP
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