For 76 minutes against the Penrith Panthers this year, Isaiya Katoa was the best player on the field.
Yet despite his heroics in round 20 – scoring a try, setting up another and running for 105 metres – he was remembered for failing to ice the contest; opting against a field goal in the dying stages.
It gave Nathan Cleary an opportunity to provide a golden point masterclass, and a reminder that for all of Katoa’s talent he still had much to learn.
Fortunately for Tonga, and the Dolphins 2025 prospects, Katoa is a fast learner.
The men in red squandered a 24-0 lead against New Zealand in the Pacific Championships, and the scores were level in the same period Katoa chose not to take the one-point against Penrith.
This time, there would be no such mistake, and Katoa split the posts to send the island nation into the decider – giving him a shot at redemption against the Kangaroos.
“He got some things wrong against the Australians, and he could have very easily gone into his shell and stopped trying to have an influence on the game you need your halfback to have,” said Tonga and Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf.
“The really good thing about last week was he was seeing the opportunities, he didn’t quite execute some of those opportunities, so my message was simple – keep playing footy.
“Not all halves can see what he can see, and it’s ok to get it wrong sometimes – that’s human nature, and it’s what all the best players do; they learn from that and get it right next week.
“His whole game, the way he controlled the game, the way he put things together for our points, but then to show that calmness and take that one point at the end showed what he’s capable of.
“He just showed so much maturity and why he’s going to be an elite halfback.”
Katoa’s three-month turnaround from the Panthers clash points to a young man who takes heed of his mistakes.
And with his side now reportedly in the mix to sign Ben Hunt, the 20-year-old may soon have the on field mentor to take his game to new heights.
The Maroons star’s was released by the Dragons last week, with a return to Queensland on the radar, and the Dolphins have made it clear any player they believe will add value will be considered.
The chance to play alongside a seasoned State of Origin half could be the injection Katoa needs to unlock his potential, and would come playing behind a rejuvenated forward pack.
Tom Gilbert will make his comeback from a ruptured ACL, while the recruitment of former NSW Origin enforcer Daniel Saifiti and Cowboys rookie Kulikefu Finefeuiaki will provide a wealth of punch.
If prop Thomas Flegler can recover from nerve damage in his shoulder, the Dolphins will begin their preseason on November 11 salivating at the thought of a maiden finals campaign.
With the forwards’ engine room intact, the club’s backline weapons in Herbie Farnworth and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow could become even more lethal.
Farnworth cast aside the heartbreak of his grandmother’s death to star in England’s 34-16 triumph of Samoa, issuing yet another reminder of his standing as one of the game’s leading centres.
His form of the international stage carried on from his Dally M Centre of the Year exploits, and showed what he could become if given the platform to thrive.
“In both games, he’s been outstanding, and he’s a credit to the Dolphins and the NRL. I’m just glad he’s English,” England coach Shaun Wane said.
“He’s had a bit of a personal problem this week and missed a session but to perform like that is a credit.”
