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Sport Nation
Young gun Katoa leading the way as Dolphins chase first ever finals campaign
Charles Goodsir • January 15th, 2026 12:58 pm
Dolphins forward Daniel Saifiti has heaped praise on young halfback Isaiya Katoa for his professionalism and leadership throughout the pre-season.
Katoa was among the best halfbacks in the competition in 2025 and ended the year with the third most try assists (23), fourth most line break assists (21) and third in kick metres (10.493).
Entering year four, Saifiti told SEN that Katoa has led by example during the Dolphins pre-season and the 21-year-old has earnt the respect of the entire playing cohort.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more impressed by a player or a person as I was by Katoa when I first met him,” Saifiti said on SEN 1170.
“He’s only 21 and his maturity both on and off the field (is remarkable). He carries himself so well.
“He doesn’t drink and doesn’t have any vices. He’s just such a good kid who was raised by a good family.
“Isaiya just has those footy smarts as well. He is so dedicated to the game and you can tell that he respects the game as well.
“It’s certainly going to take him really far into the future.
“Everything he says at training, he doesn’t say it unless he does it himself.
“He’s a great leader, a great talker and he’s 21 and captaining players that are over 30. It doesn’t feel awkward one bit.
“He deserves (the captaincy) and we are all ready to follow his lead.”
Saifiti’s debut season with the Dolphins in 2025 didn’t go to plan with the NSW Origin representative sidelined after just eight games after sustaining a shoulder injury.
Despite having surgery and returning to contact training, Saifiti said he’s no guarantee to be picked for the Dolphins in Round 1.
“It’s been a slow process. I’m over six months post surgery and it’s taken a bit longer (than expected),” Saifiti added.
“I returned to contact last week and it’s coming along nicely now. It’s just getting there.
“I’ll be touch and go for Round 1 only because I started contact training so late.
“It’ll be good to see Tom Gilbert and Thomas Flegler back for the trials.
“They are chomping at the bit and training the house down.”
The Dolphins will host the South Sydney Rabbitohs on March 8 to begin their 2026 campaign.
