Isaiya Katoa shines in Dolphins' 30-22 win, hinting at a future State of Origin role despite current star Nathan Cleary.
There will come a time in the not too distant future when this time of year will see Dolphins' star Isaiya Katoa focused on playing State of Origin for NSW.
Nathan Cleary might be the Blues' number seven for as long as he is fit and wants to be, but there is no doubt Katoa's time will come.
Until then, coach Kristian Woolf and his team will savour every minute they can with Katoa after the halfback had his fingerprints on everything to lead the undermanned Phins' to a 30-22 victory over the Raiders in Canberra on Thursday night.
Missing Origin bound quartet Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Max Plath and Tom Flegler, along with the injured Herbie Farnworth and Kodi Nikorima, the Phins won for the fourth time on the trot, a first for the club.
Despite both sides missing plenty of high priced cattle, it was an entertaining game. The first half produced seven tries - four to the Dolphins and three to the Raiders, the second just one apiece.
