Following a breakout debut season in the NRL, youngster Isaiya Katoa is keen to put everything he learnt in the past 12 months into practice when he heads back to England to once again don the red of Tonga.
Katoa, who was a relatively unknown teen playing with Penrith when he was first selected for Tonga in last year's World Cup campaign, was a surprise inclusion in Round 1, but went on to play 22 games for the Dolphins in their inaugural year.
With a strong season in the bag, the Glenmore Park Brumbies junior said he was looking forward to making his mark for his Pacific nation during the country's historic upcoming tour to England.
“Definitely (want) to go over there and win,” Katoa told media at a Tonga training session at Kayo Stadium held before the squad flew out to England.
“We're not just going over there to participate in the three games.
We're going over there to make a statement and rewrite some of the wrongs from last year's World Cup.
Tonga playmaker Isaiya Katoa
“I think we came out of that campaign a little bit disappointed with how we went and that comes back to the players, how we were dealing with training, how we were dealing with being overseas and away from our families.
“So, we're definitely working on that and I think it was a good foundation ...
“It's very exciting; it's history in the making that we get to go over there and play a Tier One nation in a three-game Test series.”
Reflecting on his past season, Katoa said while Tonga did not perform to expectations in their last campaign, his time in the squad proved invaluable in his first season in the NRL, building his confidence and gaining a better understanding of what it take to maintain a high standard of competition.
“I think (playing with Tonga) was vital in terms of my development, gaining a bit of confidence coming into pre-season, knowing that I am able to play at that that level,” Katoa said.
“Going into this year, I was fortunate enough to consistently be in the team … and that comes back to working hard and knowing that I need to just keep learning and keep on improving.
“I think I've definitely gained a lot of confidence, with the coaching staff that we have and the players that we've had. We've had a pretty decent season and there was a lot of learnings that I took out of this year and that's only going to benefit me for the rest of my career.
“I'm hoping to continue building on that and continue on getting better and learning.”
Having a familiar face in Dolphins enforcer Felise Kaufusi – who featured for Tonga last year and has been selected for this tour – also helped, with Katoa crediting the imposing forward for helping to bring the best out of his game.
“Honestly, he's one of the best leaders; he’s taken me under his wing and he's one of the best at just making a young kid come in and feel comfortable with being myself and continuing to back myself in the game,” Katoa said.
“He gives me so much confidence going into the games, just knowing that he's got my back and he's always going to protect me and now that I have a couple more forwards exactly like him that can do that as well; I'm loving and enjoying playing behind those boys and I'm looking forward to the games.
“It's honestly the best just knowing that I have some of the biggest forwards in the game in my team; I'm happy I’m not on the other side trying to tackle them.
“I am definitely looking forward to playing with those guys and being able to lead those guys as a half; so I’m looking to take that role on and really own that at the Test matches.”
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