The Dolphins are set to announce the signing of Penrith junior Isaiya Katoa tomorrow, inking the young gun on a three year deal.
Multiple reports today confirmed that the new club had won the race for the highly-coveted youngster.
“They’ve snared the best young prospect in the game,” Nine News’ Ben Dobbin said on Triple M.
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Katoa, the 17-year-old younger brother of Sione, is set to join the club from the Penrith Panthers – who are furious that they have had yet another prospect stolen away.
The path for Katoa to play in the halves in first grade is blocked by both Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary, who are only 25 and 24, respectively.
“This young man has been absolutely ranked by Penrith as the best up-and-comer for his age group, in Australia, at halfback,” Dobbin said.
“The Dolphins will announce tomorrow that he’s signed on a three-year deal.”
Despite no clear path for Katoa to play his preferred position at the foot of the mountains, Fletcher said the system needs to change.
“There has to be protection or compensation,” Fletcher said “It’s a waste of time developing them. For us and other developing clubs (rival teams) can just sit there and pluck them out,” he told the Daily Telegraph.
“It’s frustrating but that’s the rules at the moment.”
Maroons star Felise Kaufusi, as well as brothers Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, have all inked muli-year deals with the Dolphins from 2023. Those three players combined have won seven premierships at the Storm.
The new club has also locked in veteran forward Mark Nicholls, Broncos young gun Jamayne Isaako, Eels forward Ray Stone, and several future prospects.
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