LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
After leading his team to a crucial victory, Isaiya Katoa is excited about the challenge of facing his former mentor Nathan Cleary.
As reported by nrl.com.au, Katoa's stellar performance included "pulling the strings with a composed kicking game" and amassing 193 run metres.
The win was a much-needed boost for his team's struggling offense.
Having started his career at Glenmore Park Brumbies before joining the Dolphins in 2023, Katoa is familiar with this week's opponent, the Penrith Panthers.
He is seeking redemption for last year's close loss, where Cleary's field goal secured victory for the Panthers.
Katoa sees the upcoming match as an opportunity to test himself against Cleary, whom he considers a mentor.
"I see it as a challenge," Katoa said, highlighting his eagerness to compete against Cleary on the field.
The dynamic between the two former teammates adds an intriguing element to the matchup, with Katoa aiming to showcase his skills and lead his team to victory.
Katoa's determination and motivation to succeed against a familiar opponent like Cleary reflect his competitive spirit and desire to continue developing as a player.
The upcoming clash between the Dolphins and the Panthers promises to be an exciting showdown, with Katoa poised to make his mark and prove himself against one of the NRL's top players.
Overall, Katoa's mindset encapsulates his readiness to embrace challenges and push himself to new heights in pursuit of success.
His focus on outperforming Cleary and leading his team to victory underscores his commitment to winning and his willingness to face formidable opponents head-on.
As the Dolphins prepare to take on the Panthers, all eyes will be on Katoa to see how he rises to the occasion and seizes the opportunity to demonstrate his talent and leadership on the field.