EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns’ Strategy to ‘Mould’ Emerging Star Isaiya Katoa During Eligibility Dispute

League legend Andrew Johns is keen to kick-start the recruitment of the next NSW Blues talent with a focus on “brainwashing” promising young Dolphins playmaker Isaiya Katoa.

Recognised as the Dolphins’ rookie of the year in 2023, Isaiya Katoa has become a hot property amidst fierce competition from teams eager to secure his skills for representative play.

Johns has been a strong advocate for Katoa to dedicate his representative career to the NSW Blues, though the rising star has also attracted interest from New Zealand.

The 21-year-old has previously donned the colours of Tonga on the international stage, having competed as a teenager in the 2022 World Cup.

Despite his Tongan representation, Katoa’s roots trace back to Wellington, New Zealand, where he was born before relocating to Australia at the age of nine. This unique background makes him eligible to represent both nations.

The talented five-eighth honed his skills at the Glenmore Park Brumbies before progressing through the ranks at the Penrith Panthers.

According to the current eligibility criteria for the State of Origin, players not born in NSW or Queensland but having resided in either state before turning 13 can be considered for selection as long as they haven’t represented another Tier 1 nation.

Since Tonga does not classify as a Tier 1 nation, Katoa remains eligible to wear the Blues jersey, provided he doesn’t switch allegiance to the Kiwis in the international arena.

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While Katoa has yet to declare his loyalty, Johns is set on planting the seeds that could steer him towards the Blues.

“Isaiya Katoa, everyone knows how much I rate him as a player,” Johns remarked on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.

“I was contemplating heading down to the sheds (on Friday) after the match because we need him for New South Wales… looking ahead to the next five or six years when Nathan (Cleary) wraps up.

“(Katoa) and (Lachlan) Galvin… they’re next in line, so it’s time to start brainwashing him.”

“Dolphins, can you please let me into the sheds?”