Fifita wary of Bennett’s silent assassin wunderkid
Wayn“e’s doing a good job with him David Fifita
On rival Isaiya Katoa
There is a calm resolve about Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa that defies his tender years, a trait which has Titans star David Fifita wary of what is to come.
At just 18, Katoa has quickly become a staple of Wayne Bennett’s side, stepping up as his side’s chief playmaker in the absence of Sean O’sullivan.
Last week’s defeat to the Rabbitohs was the only game in which the Tongan international did not register a try assist, and his time on the international stage has his World Cup teammate Fifita alerted to his threat level.
The pair will clash for the first time on Sunday when the Gold Coast travels to Suncorp Stadium, and Fifita said the silent assassin would be a man to target come kick-off.
“He’s a great player, quiet person, humble person who does his job really well. Wayne’s doing a good job with him there up the road and he’s a super talent,” Fifita said.
“He’s only 18, he’s only a sort of baby. Just his organisation with the boys, his kicking game is really good and defensively he’s solid. With his communication with all the boys setting up where the boys need to be, and he’s real composed and quiet but does all his talking with the footy.”
Katoa announced himself to the NRL before even making his debut, rising from the Penrith Panthers junior pathways to claim the Tonga No.7 jumper in England.
Scoring two tries and kicking 21 goals on his side’s way to the quarter-finals was enough to showcase his credentials.
Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika was another who saw first-hand what the wunderkid was capable of within the Tongan camp, and said should the Titans choose to target him it may come at their own demise.
“I think just his professionalism, he’s pretty professional for a young fella and he’s got a good head on his shoulders,” Fotuaika said.
“He’s definitely playing well up there at Redcliffe and he’s leading their team around. We’ll have a busy task this week trying to contain him.
“He’s a professional kid and whatever things get thrown at him I’m sure he’ll handle it well.’