There was talk in the lead up to this round that should Nathan Cleary fail to recover from a groin injury, Katoa could be ushered into the New South Wales Blues’ fold for the State of Origin series decider next Wednesday.
While Cleary played and inspired the Panthers to a gritty win against the Bulldogs, his former prodigy – after Katoa began his career in the Penrith system – has shown in 2025 he would one day succeed him on that stage.
“He’s been really consistent, he’s a real leader for us. He’s obviously pivotal to our attack, but I just really like the way he’s leading from the front at the moment. He’s growing in confidence and he’s realising his impact on the team. He’s developing into an exceptional leader.”
Kristian Woolf on Isaiya Katoa
‘The Hammer’ answers Walsh challenge
Mere hours earlier, Broncos fullback Reece Walsh appeared to cement the Queensland Maroons’ No.1 jumper, following news incumbent custodian Kalyn Ponga had suffered a Lisfranc injury.
But Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow ensured his name remained in the conversation, ahead of coach Billy Slater’s game three selections on Monday morning.
‘The Hammer’ will feature in the Queensland side regardless, but having lined up on the wing and in the centres thus far this series produced a clinic which will keep him in the fullback conversation.
At times, it was simply his support play which impressed – popping up on Katoa’s shoulder, and following through on kicks – but his fourth and final try of the night was him at his best as he latched onto a loose ball, evaded several defenders and streaked away to Suncorp Stadium’s delight.
He finished with four tries, 251 running metres and seven tackle busts in his 100th NRL appearance.
Whether he ousts Walsh for the job could, however, depend on Slater’s confidence in those who may fill his void on the flank – with contender Murray Taulagi to line up for the Cowboys on Sunday.
Game two centre Valentine Holmes could also move wide with squad member Jack Howarth earning a debut.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, who mentored Tabuai-Fidow at the Dolphins, believed he was “too valuable” in other positions to be ushered into the No.1 jumper, but his successor Kristian Woolf said he would rise to the occasion.
“I’d love to see him get an opportunity there, I know he’d do a great job. He’s a fullback for us definitely, and he can do a great job in the centres and on the wing, but if he’s given a chance at fullback I know he’d do a great job. He certainly wouldn’t let anyone down.”
Kristian Woolf on Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Dolphins’ new ‘Mr Fix It’ answers crisis call
The Dolphins’ forward pack has been decimated, but within the carnage a blessing has emerged in the rise of Kurt Donoghoe.
The Fiji international had jumped into the lock jersey previously worn by Max Plath, but was ultimately shifted to five-eighth when Nikorima succumbed to injury.
Loading
But after demonstrating his toughness in the engine room – at one stage playing with a severely broken nose earlier in the season – Donoghoe proved he had the skill set to thrive, firing a cutout pass for Averillo who eventually kicked infield for Tabuai-Fidow to score.
His best moment was saved for last, latching onto an intercept on his own line to streak the length of the field and score.
The Dolphins are missing the entirety of their first-choice forwards – Max Plath (ACL), Daniel Saifiti, Thomas Flegler (both shoulder) and Tom Gilbert (pectoral) all sidelined for the rest of the campaign.
Felise Kaufusi (knee) is also out for what is expected to be a month, while winger Jack Bostock ruptured his ACL in last week’s defeat to Newcastle.
Yet Donoghoe – who finished with 158 metres and 29 tackles – has been joined by a host of his unheralded teammates in lifting when the team needs them to.
“Wherever we ask him to play he just turns up and does a great job and competes. I’ve been asked before where he fits into the team when we’re at full strength, well he fits somewhere. I can’t tell you where, but he’s definitely in the team every week.”
Kristian Woolf on Donoghoe
Duncan gives Rabbitohs glimmer of hope
For all the injuries the Rabbitohs have endured this season, Tallis Duncan has proven he will be a hard man to leave out of the team once the inspiration Cameron Murray returns from a ruptured Achilles next year.
The 23-year-old scored a double within two minutes to get his side back in the contest, and regularly looked threatened to edge his nose through the defensive line.
While South Sydney have fallen towards the bottom of the ladder on the back of five-straight defeats, Duncan has given a glimmer of hope there is a bright future for this pack ahead – finishing with 125 metres, seven tackle busts and 45 tackles for no misses.
But with Walker facing another stint on the sidelines, they face a tall order to stay alive this year.
“Different challenges land on our doorstep every day. I’m not frustrated by it, I’m not angry by it, we just accept the reality of it and get someone else up next week to do the job. Right now, I’m trying to build a team that believes in itself, and we’re not there yet.”
Wayne Bennett
