By Joel Gould
The Dolphins have named exciting Tongan playmaker Isaiya Katoa and wrecking ball centre Valynce Te Whare in their inaugural team to play CQ Capras in a trial in Gladstone.
The 18-year-old Katoa, formerly in Penrith’s system, is regarded as the most promising young player on the new NRL club’s list.
Tongan playmaker Isaiya Katoa is regarded as the Dolphins’ hottest prospect.Credit:AP
Katoa also has a strong work ethic to go with his abilities, staying back on Monday after training for an hour to do extras with chief playmaker Sean O’Sullivan.
The 22-year-old Te Whare is a rugby union convert who enjoyed a breakout season in the Queensland Cup for the Redcliffe Dolphins last year when he was the competition’s centre of the year in his first season of rugby league.
Rugby union convert Valynce Te Whare motors like a runaway train and has earned the nickname ‘Val Meninga’.Credit:Getty
Te Whare motors along like a runaway train and left a trail of carnage in his wake, earning himself the nickname of “Val Meninga”.
In 14 games he scored 12 tries and wracked up an average of 147 metres per game while making 17 line breaks and 85 tackle busts.
He is still officially listed as 108kg but an NRL pre-season under the tutelage of Dolphins head of performance Jeremy Hickmans has led to him boasting a more streamlined frame.
All eyes will be on Katoa in a team full of fringe first-graders and Queensland Cup players on Saturday after he impressed in three Tests at the World Cup while playing five-eighth for Tonga.
“Isaiya rips in when he comes to training and he is trying to learn as much as he can and soak it all up,” O’Sullivan said.
“He is very keen and is even pushing me along. That is only going to benefit the both of us.
“I think he can be whatever he wants to be as a halfback or a five-eighth. For him, it is all about putting the building blocks in place early in his career and getting all the basics right.
“His natural talent will take over just because of how hard he works.
“Isaiya is someone all the boys here are really getting behind because he is going to be a special player. Best of all he is a quality human.”
DOLPHINS:
1. Trai Fuller, 2. Setu Tu, 3. Valynce Te Whare, 4. Jack Bockstock, 5. Brenton Baira, 6. Kurt Donoghoe, 7. Isaiya Katoa, 8. JJ Collins, 9. Harrison Graham, 10. Poasa Faamausili, 11. Jeremiah Simbiken, 12, Jackson Frei, 13. Mason Teague, 14. Brayden McGrady, 15. Cody Hunter, 16. Tyler Szepanowski, 17. Lachlan Hubner, 18. Judah Rimbu, 19. Rodrick Tai, 20. Sherwin Tanabi, 21. Taniela Otukolo, 22. George Fai.
– AAP
