Smith: Why Katoa is the guy to build an NRL franchise around

Jimmy Smith has insisted that the Dolphins need to sign halfback Isaiya Katoa, to a 10-year-deal to help put them.  

The 21-year-old Tongan joined the inaugural Dolphins side in 2023, making his NRL debut in their very first game as a team.

In the three seasons that he has played for the side, he has been a crucial part of their spine under Wayne Bennett and Kristan Woolf, where he won the club’s inaugural rookie of the year award.

With his impressive playmaking ability and ability to engage defenders, he has earned plenty of praise in the Rugby League world, with SEN’s Denan Kemp and Matty Johns believing that he can be a future NSW representative.

And Smith would continue the praise on SEN 1170’s Boys of Summer, saying he can push them into premiership contention.

“He is ridiculously impressive. His knowledge of the game and ability to pick up subtleties of other players’ games is so impressive,” he said.

“He is amazing for a 21-year-old, and a delight to watch.

“He is so level-headed and composed, such an intelligent player. His tempo is his greatest asset; he knows exactly when to go fast and when to go slow. He pulls defences apart left, right and centre.

“Katoa is the face of the side going forward … he can give the Dolphins the premiership tilt.

“He is the guy you build an NRL franchise around.”

Katoa is currently signed until the end of 2028, after signing a 3-year contract extension in 2024.