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Avid social media followers may have noticed a trend emerge among rugby league players in recent times. 

Fishing has quickly become one of the game's most popular hobbies, with players ranging from Kayal Iro to Reuben Cotter and Latrell Mitchell hitting the water during their time off. 

Cronulla's Sione Katoa can take some of the credit for the activity's rise, the winger chronicling his adventures on his The Tongan Fisherman social media channels. 

Joining Katoa are a host of his Cronulla teammates, from Sifa Talakai to Addin Fonua-Blake, while many more are in line to participate over the coming months. 

In taking up fishing during their time off, players have found a hobby that allows them to take a break and clear their head.

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The numbers behind Multicultural Round

But fishing is more than just an escape. It's an activity deeply ingrained in many of the cultures that combine to make up the NRL's diverse playing group and it helps bring those cultures together.  

Fishing was a big part of the culture back on the islands," Katoa said. "They used to live off what they caught in the oceans.

"I love being out catching fish. I could be out for six or seven hours and catch nothing and I still enjoy it. I find the time alone fun."

Sharks winger Sione Katoa has developed a social media following as The Tongan Fisherman.
Sharks winger Sione Katoa has developed a social media following as The Tongan Fisherman. ©Sione Katoa

Growing up in the Cook Islands, fishing was one of the few activities available to Iro throughout his childhood.

Viewing options on television were limited to Home and Away and a handful of New Zealand shows, while social media and smart phones were yet to take over the world.

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Kayal Iro Try

So Iro and his friends would either hike the surrounding mountains or grab their rods and head down to the ocean in search of a meal. The centre jumps at the chance to go fishing each time he returns home and spent many days and nights catching fish during an off-season trip to the Cook Islands. 

While he's yet to join Katoa for a fish in Sydney, Iro said it is only a matter of time before he does.

"We never really watched TV [as kids]," Iro told NRL.com. "We just mucked around in the mountains or went fishing.

"I went back [to the Cook Islands] for a whole month in November and it was good to spend time with family, go fishing every day and do all the usual island things. 

"Sione does a lot of fishing. I want to join him but I've never got my fishing rods, I want to get into it so hopefully we go soon."

Iro will miss Thursday's Multicultural Round clash with the Raiders after picking up a hamstring injury last weekend.

Katoa will also watch from the stands as he continues his recovery from off-season shoulder surgery. 

The winger hopes to return in the back end of the season and he has plenty of motivation to get back on the field. 

Tonga are set to take on Samoa during this year's Pacific Championships, with players from both nations desperate to be part of one of the most highly anticipated international games in recent rugby league history.

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Sione Katoa Try

After helping Tonga topple New Zealand during last year's tournament, Katoa is eager return to full fitness in time to earn another international call up. 

"[Last year's Pacific Championships] were the best, the atmosphere was crazy," Katoa said. "Being in camp with the Tongans was fun. 

"[Playing Samoa] is a game you want to play in. Everyone wants to see this game so you want to be in those types of games, you want to perform and enjoy it."