SEN’s Corey Parker believes Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa is flying under the radar to start the 2024 season.
After losing their opening match by 25 points against the Cowboys, veteran coach Wayne Bennett has completed a stunning turnaround to have his side at the top of the table after Round 4.
Parker believes Katoa has contributed to the team’s dramatic switch and feels he isn’t being talked about compared to his playmaker counterparts because he is playing for a smaller club.
“If Isaiya Katoa was in the Brisbane Broncos team, Penrith or the Roosters, he would be put up on the pedestal of being an absolute superstar in our game,” Parker declared on SENQ Mornings.
“Unfortunately because he’s at the Dolphins or fortunately for him whichever way you want to look at it, he’s not talked about enough.
“This is only his second year of first grade.
“He missed the first round but was then instrumental in the Dolphins’ 38-0 drubbing against the Dragons.
“Yet again, he was their best player in their win over the Gold Coast Titans.”
The Dolphins appear to have found their long-term halfback but Parker believes the Titans need to make a major change with Tanah Boyd who has struggled in the opening month of the season.
After an 0-3 start and just 18 points across the three matches, Parker says it’s time to look away from Boyd as the first choice halfback on the Gold Coast.
“The Titans can’t continue to keep doing what they’re doing or have the same players in those positions,” Parker added.
“I thought Des Hasler would put some backbone in this group and he really hasn’t.
“I haven’t seen a systematic change at the Titans.
“Is Tanah Boyd your answer at seven? There’s a strong suggestion to say that he’s probably not.”
The Titans face the Cowboys in Round 5 on Sunday afternoon whilst the Dolphins host the Tigers on Saturday night.