Isaiya Katoa rubbishes rumours he wants to return to Sydney

Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa has categorically ruled out any return to Sydney, despite rumours of a $1 million payday being dangled before the stay playmaker.

Rising Dolphins star Isaiya Katoa has rubbished rumours he wants to return to Sydney, pledging his future to Redcliffe amid calls he is the NRL’s next $1 million halfback and future NSW No. 7.

Katoa secured bragging rights over mentor and Blues superstar Nathan Cleary when the Dolphins stunned four-time premiers Penrith 30-12 at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

It was sweet revenge for Katoa, who went on a mission to overhaul his game after being criticised for failing to take an opportunity to beat the Panthers last year.

The 21-year-old has started the season in hot form for the Dolphins, raising speculation about his NRL future.

A Penrith junior, rumours started circulating recently that Katoa could be headed for the exits at Redcliffe and seek a return to Sydney.

But the emerging star gave a ringing endorsement of new Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf and said he had no desire to quit the Redcliffe club he is contracted to until the end of 2028.

“I’m definitely not going back to Sydney,” Katoa said.

“I love the Dolphins and being able to play under a coach like Woolfy. I feel like I play my best footy under Woolfy.

“ I’m definitely not going anywhere.

Isaiya Katoa (R) enjoyed a win over Penrith’s Nathan Cleary. Picture: Getty Images

“My family love it over here too. They moved from Sydney and my partner loves it up here as well.

“I don’t know where that chat came from but I’m definitely not going back to Sydney. I’m staying with the Dolphins.”

Katoa’s declaration will be sweet sounds to the ears of Woolf, who handed him his Test debut with Tonga in the 2022 World Cup before he had played an NRL game.

He has now notched 50 appearances for the Dolphins in a little over two NRL seasons and is quickly becoming one of the game’s most promising playmaking prospects.

So much so that Immortal Andrew Johns has earmarked Katoa as Cleary’s heir to the NSW No. 7 throne.

“It’s great to be able to receive comments like that from someone like ‘Joey’ Johns,” Katoa said.

“But I know there’s so many areas of my game I need to work on. I was a little bit quiet (against the Panthers) but I unleashed ‘Hammer’ (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow) and gave him space to play with.

“As a kid I thought ‘wow’ (about playing Origin). I kind of knew I was eligible and in the back of my mind it was always a dream to think ‘what if one day I could represent the NSW Blues?’.

“That only comes by playing good footy at the Dolphins. My sole focus at the moment is being able to perform for the Dolphins.”

Isaiya Katoa is signed with the Dolphins until 2028. Picture: Getty Images

After signing with the Dolphins as a foundation player, Katoa recommitted to the club last year until the end of 2028.

He is on a healthy contract, but his rise has raised calls that he is quickly becoming a $1 million-a-season playmaker, such is the market for talented shot-callers.

Woolf has urged Katoa to back his instincts and run the ball this year, as evidenced by his early-season form, and he will have another stern test when he comes up against Melbourne’s reigning Dally M Medal halfback Jahrome Hughes on Good Friday.

“I went into the pre-season a little bit disappointed with how I finished last year,” Katoa said.

“I really wanted to work on my running game and defence.

“It’s been more of a mindset change for me and wanting the ball in my hands. I spoke to Woolfy in the pre-season about that being one area I wanted to work on.

“A way I could do that was to organise shape where I could get my hands on the ball a bit more and play up the front rather than sitting behind the forwards and waiting for the ball to get to me.

“That’s something we spoke about over the pre-season, chasing games. No matter if we’re up by six or down by 20, Woolfy has always encouraged me to back myself and keep attacking the game.”

Originally published as Isaiya Katoa rubbishes rumours he wants to return to Sydney