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Teenager Isaiya Katoa will spearhead Tonga’s attack in Sunday’s opening rugby league Test against England with the words of his club coach Wayne Bennett ringing in his ears.
The 19-year-old playmaker was the Dolphins rookie of the year in 2023 where he played 22 games and showcased maturity beyond his years.
He was No.6 for Tonga last year at the World Cup where the side reached the quarter-finals.
A lot of responsibility has been placed on young shoulders but at his end-of-season review Bennett reminded him of a home truth.
“Wayne’s message was to continue to back myself and my first instincts,” Katoa told AAP.
“Sometimes I can second guess myself but the big thing I got from Wayne this year was having the right attitude to my own game and to never think I am not good enough.
“In this Test arena I don’t look at myself as a 19-year-old playing against older men. I look at myself as another player on an even playing field. I have to do my job.
“Wayne also told me to be willing to learn something new every day. His advice kept me on my toes the whole year.”
Tonga’s opening Test of the three-Test series in St Helens, the first time a tier-two nation has embarked on such a venture in England, is one Katoa can’t wait to be involved in.
He was in the side that lost last year’s World Cup quarter-final 20-18 to Samoa.
“It is a privilege to play for Tonga at any time but to make history against England in a three-Test series is something special,” Katoa said.
“We were disappointed with how we finished at the World Cup last year so we are looking to rewrite some of the wrongs from that tournament.”
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Katoa said he educated himself away from the field in 2023 on everything from stretching to nutrition to keep his body in shape to perform consistently.
After the Dolphins started the season on fire, they faded as the wear and tear of the NRL took its toll.
“It was the biggest learning curve of my career so far,” Katoa said.
“I was fortunate enough to be in the team for the majority of the season but I feel as though there is so much more I need to learn.
“I took a lot of lessons out of this year that I will carry with me for the rest of my career. I just need to keep my head down and work hard.”
© AAP
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