Challenges Faced by Isaiya Katoa in the 2026 NRL Season
Chad Townsend, a former halfback and experienced player, has shared his insights into why young Dolphins star Isaiya Katoa has struggled to start the 2026 season. This comes after the Dolphins suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Manly Sea Eagles, which has raised concerns about the team’s performance and Katoa’s role within it.
The Dolphins were expected to be one of the top eight teams in the 2026 season, with a strong group of forwards returning from long-term injuries. The spotlight was on Katoa, who was seen as a rising talent set to elevate his game in a season that favors quick-paced halves. Many believed he could eventually take over Nathan Cleary’s role as halfback for the NSW Blues.
However, Katoa has not been able to replicate the form he showed last year. After being thrashed 52-18 by Manly on Thursday night, the Dolphins are now 2-3 in the season. This loss highlighted several issues, including a lack of cohesion and poor execution on the field.
During the match, the Dolphins struggled significantly, making 14 errors and only completing 64% of their sets. Katoa, who is typically a key playmaker, did not register a single attacking stat in the 34-point loss. He touched the ball just 34 times, far below what is expected of a halfback. In contrast, rival halfback Jamal Fogarty had 54 touches of the ball, showing the stark difference in performance.
Townsend, who has experience as a premiership-winning halfback, believes that opposing teams have adapted their strategies to target Katoa specifically. He explained that teams are rushing up on Katoa’s outside shoulder, taking time away from him during his passes. This tactic has disrupted Katoa’s rhythm, especially when he makes dummy runs inside.
“The thing is, as a half, he had 34 touches of the ball. Daly Cherry-Evans last year at Manly, he averaged 72,” Townsend said on SEN Radio. “Above 50 is your benchmark. Watch closely…what happens when you get detailed with Katoa and he gets a pass from a dummy-half. He has got a runner on his inside and a runner on his outside and someone out the back…a lot of times he shows in and looks in.”
“He loses his vision to the outside. He shows in and goes deep into the line. By the time he goes deep into the line and goes to pass out the back…the defence is much more aggressive. They are up and more aggressive because he has lost sight. That is what teams are doing now. Teams are coming up with game plans and it is working.”
Impact on the Team and Coaching Adjustments
The struggles of Katoa have had a ripple effect on the rest of the Dolphins’ team. SEN Radio host Jimmy Smith noted that the points aren’t flowing as they should in 2026, and coach Kristian Woolf is aware that changes need to be made.
Dolphins Looking for Change After Thrashing
Unfortunately for the Dolphins, they have lost their last two games, with the defeat to Manly being particularly disappointing. The team faced numerous infringements and only managed to secure 38% of possession. Despite the initial hype surrounding the Dolphins in 2026, they have started the season with a 2-3 record and several big losses already on the cards.
Coach Woolf acknowledged the need for change after a poor start to their campaign. “It was a disappointing performance all round,” he said. “I don’t know where it came from. We have to have a good hard look at where we are at and make some changes.”
