NRL 2024: Statistics show Sam Walker and Isaiya Katoa are following in halfback footsteps of Nathan Cleary

A statistical analysis has revealed that two young NRL halfbacks aren’t far behind where Nathan Cleary was at similar stages of their careers. See the numbers that show who’s on track for Cleary-level greatness.

(L-R) Nathan Cleary and I Katoa

These are the numbers that prove young stars Sam Walker and Isaiya Katoa are on track to follow in the footsteps of the game’s No.1 halfback, Nathan Cleary.

A statistical analysis by this masthead shows Walker and, to a lesser extent, Katoa, aren’t far behind where Cleary was at similar stages of their careers.

Katoa’s maturity came under scrutiny this week after he passed up a chance to nail a potential game-winning field goal in the dying stages of the Dolphins’ golden-point loss to Penrith.

Instead, the Panthers junior was closer than anyone else to Cleary’s 43-metre matchwinner when he attempted a chargedown at BlueBet Stadium.

However the heartbreaking lesson is merely a blip on what has been an outstanding year for the Dolphins No.7, who almost matches Cleary in try and line break assists at the same age.

Walker’s numbers are even more impressive.

The Roosters halfback has bounced back from an inconsistent season in 2023 to emerge as the linchpin of a rejuvenated side well and truly in title contention this year.

In some categories, he is better than the current three-time premiership-winner when Cleary was also nearing the 50-game mark.

Statistically, other than the Penrith halfback, no other playmaker in the competition has had a better start to their careers in the top grade than Katoa and Walker.

That includes some of the game’s best in Daly Cherry-Evans, Jahrome Hughes, Shaun Johnson, Adam Reynolds and Nicho Hynes, all of whom hadn’t even debuted at the same age.

ISAIYA KATOA

Isaiya Katoa has all the tools to becoming one of the great halfbacks in years to come. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Handed the keys to Redcliffe from the beginning of his NRL career, Katoa seeking a release from Penrith turned out to be the greatest decision he had made.

The 20-year-old is quickly proving vital for the Dolphins, and his stats compared to where Cleary was at his age shows how important he is for the club’s long-term success.

Panther’s legend Greg Alexander told this masthead that while Katoa isn’t at Cleary’s level yet, he has got the tools to match it with the most dominant halfback in the competition.

“Whenever someone can make their debut in an important position like halfback at 18, they have the trust in the coaching staff that they can handle the pressure as a youngster,” Alexander said.

Could Isaiya Katoa reach the levels of Nathan Cleary in the future? Picture: NRL Photos

“There is something special about that player, and Isaiya Katoa falls into that category.

“Penrith knew there was something special about him, but because of the circumstances of Nathan and Jarome being there it meant he had to go and find his path at another club.”

Katoa, while just falling short to Cleary on most statistics, only sits one behind the former NSW Origin halfback on try assists, in six less games.

Alexander admitted Katoa is on the same track as the Panthers maestro.

“Second year in first grade, he is at a very good level and everyone can see that,” Alexander said of Katoa.

“There are things in his game that have improved from last year to this year, and he will continue to work on those things to become the halfback that had everything.”

SAM WALKER

Sam Walker is one of the hottest emerging halfbacks in the NRL. Picture: NRL Photos

There’s a reason why Walker could command almost any salary he wants when he enters the final year of his current deal with the Roosters on November 1.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson showed Walker some tough love last year when he dumped the young halfback to reserve grade, but this year has been different.

“I love the progression he’s on,” Robinson said.

“Some of the things we are discussing throughout the week are coming into the game, and some are yet to come into the game.”

Walker is ahead of Cleary in tries, field goals, try assists and line break assist at the same age, but Robinson said he is only scratching the surface of his talent.

“His clarity on how he wants to play and how we want him to play is right there and our belief in that getting in over the next couple of months is also there,” Robinson said.

“I feel like his form has been amazing in certain areas of the game, and the other areas that we really wanna work on, he is clear on.

“But he just needs to keep pushing towards his best version.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Statistics show Sam Walker and Isaiya Katoa are following in halfback footsteps of Nathan Cleary